# Maine Democrats fear Susan Collins’ Teflon status

> Maine Democrats worry Susan Collins’ abortion vote makes her a 'Teflon candidate' for Senate.
- Title: Maine Democrats fear Susan Collins’ Teflon status · Salon
- Summary: Maine Democrats worry Susan Collins’ abortion vote makes her a 'Teflon candidate' for Senate. Maine Democrats hope Susan Collins’ 2018 Kavanaugh vote on…
- Keywords: maine, susan collins, troy jackson, democrats, abortion rights, kavanaugh, senate, maine senate, maine politics, elections, senate race, maine democracy
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/12/as-susan-collins-goes-for-a-sixth-term-maine-democrats-worry-shes-a-teflon-candidate-partner
- Author: Grace Panetta
- Published: 2026-10-12T10:00:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maine, susan collins, troy jackson, democrats, abortion rights, kavanaugh, senate, maine senate, maine politics, elections, senate race, maine democracy
## Maine Democrats worry Susan Collins’ Teflon status
Maine Democrats fear Susan Collins’ 2018 vote to confirm Kavanaugh will make her a 'Teflon candidate' for Senate.

> She said that she doesn’t regret that vote. Well, most everyone I know does
## Collins seeks sixth Senate term
Collins, 73, is running for a sixth Senate term in Maine after defying national political trends.
## Jackson targets abortion rights
Jackson argues Collins’ 2018 Kavanaugh vote undermines her ability to protect abortion rights in Maine.

> She thinks we’re stupid, that’s really what it comes down to
## Jackson’s campaign strategy
Jackson, a former logger, runs as a champion for working people with labor movement ties.
## Jackson’s abortion focus
Jackson highlights Collins’ 2018 Kavanaugh vote as a major error in judgment on abortion rights.

> She thinks we’re stupid, that’s really what it comes down to
## Jackson’s debate performance
Jackson dominated Collins in their first debate by attacking her record on Trump policies.

> We can’t eat road salt
## Collins’ defense
Collins defended her record by citing bipartisan legislation and federal funding for Maine.

> She said that she doesn’t regret that vote
## Jackson’s campaign challenges
Jackson faces internal Democratic concerns about his campaign strategy and national involvement.

> I’m starting to get worried
## Maine’s political culture
Maine has a strong independent streak where local issues matter more than national politics.

> Mainers don’t like being told what to do
## Jackson’s campaign impact
Jackson’s campaign has drawn support from older women who remember life before Roe v. Wade.

> I’m not in love with Troy Jackson
## Jackson’s debate win
Jackson won the debate by accusing Collins of not addressing Trump’s unpopular policies.

> She’s wrong with her votes 96 percent of the time
## Collins’ response
Collins countered Jackson’s statistics by explaining Senate procedure and her record.

> She said that she doesn’t regret that vote
## Jackson’s campaign strategy
Jackson’s campaign focuses on abortion rights and working-class issues to win over Democratic voters.

> We can’t eat road salt
## Maine Senate race outcome
Jackson’s campaign faces challenges from internal Democratic concerns and national spending.

> Money talks
## Key takeaway

Maine Democrats hope Susan Collins’ 2018 Kavanaugh vote on abortion will shift Democratic women’s support to Troy Jackson’s Senate campaign.