From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
Maine Sen. Collins Uses Manchin to Highlight Independence
Maine Sen. Collins partners with ex-Democrat Manchin to showcase her Senate independence amid Trump challenges.
In brief
Maine Sen. Collins partners with ex-Democrat Manchin to showcase her Senate independence amid Trump challenges. Maine Sen. Collins leverages ex-Democrat Manchin to emphasize her independent Senate stance against Trump. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Collins Promotes Senate Independence
Maine Republican Susan Collins seeks to highlight her reputation as one of the most independent U.S. senators during election season.
“part of every piece of bipartisan legislation that passed and became law”
Collins Campaigns with Former Democrat Manchin
Collins spoke with Joe Manchin, a West Virginian who became an independent late in his career before retiring, to promote bipartisan cooperation.
“to lose Collins would be to lose the soul of the Senate”
Manchin Praises Collins' Independence
Manchin called Collins a 'true blue-blooded Maine person' who knows her roots and bucked Trump's policies.
“This is a true blue-blooded Maine person who knows exactly where she came from”
Jackson Challenges Collins in Election
Democrat Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, faces Collins in a tough reelection race with limited campaign funds.
“Jackson got a late start on campaigning after the party’s initial nominee existed the race”
Collins' Independent Stance on Trump
Collins has broken with Trump over his impeachment and votes on Kavanaugh, positioning herself as a check on presidential power.
“She voted to convict him at his impeachment trial in 2021”
Democrats Target Collins' Trump Ties
Democrats argue Collins is too close to Trump, citing her support for Medicaid cuts and Kavanaugh confirmation.
“the state is in a healthcare crisis because of Susan Collins and Donald Trump”
Jackson Criticizes Collins' Policies
Jackson describes Collins as a 'rubber stamp' for Trump and criticizes her votes on Kavanaugh and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“Jackson has described Collins as a 'rubber stamp' for the president”
Collins Distances from Trump Campaign
Collins claims she is 'not exactly his favorite senator' and avoids Trump's campaign efforts in Maine.
“She is not exactly his favorite senator”
The takeaway
Maine Sen. Collins leverages ex-Democrat Manchin to emphasize her independent Senate stance against Trump.
