Jackson’s late start may hinder Democrats’ bid to unseat Collins in Maine
Democrat Troy Jackson is challenging Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race, but his late start has left many voters unfamiliar with him. The article argues that the party’s handling of allegations against its previous candidate, Graham Platner, may have weakened its chances of unseating Collins and gaining a Senate seat.
Platner withdrew in July after reports of sexual misconduct allegations and sexually explicit messages; he has denied wrongdoing. Jackson, a former logger who led Maine’s state Senate, was confirmed as the nominee on 25 July, losing months of campaign time. Interviews with six Bangor residents found several favoured Collins because they knew her better, while a political science professor said Jackson still had a chance amid discontent with the Trump administration.
In short
- Jackson entered the race late after Platner withdrew.
- Some Bangor voters said they knew Collins better.
- The contest could affect Democrats’ Senate hopes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jackson’s late start may make it harder for voters to learn about him and for his campaign to build the organisation and visibility needed to challenge an established incumbent. The party’s handling of the previous candidate’s departure may also have cost valuable time and weakened its position in a race where some voters already favour Collins because they know her better.
The case against
A late start does not make Jackson’s candidacy futile: as a former logger and state Senate leader, he can draw on a record and local experience to introduce himself to voters. Discontent with the Trump administration could create an opening, and the change of nominee may allow Democrats to focus attention on Jackson’s own case against Collins.
Explained simply
Maine elects two US senators, who serve six-year terms and vote on national laws and appointments. Susan Collins, a Republican, has represented the state in the Senate since 1997; Troy Jackson is a Democrat and former leader of Maine’s state Senate.
The two parties are competing for control of the Senate, where each state has equal representation regardless of population. A candidate who enters the race later has less time to introduce himself to voters and build support. Familiarity with Collins, alongside views of the national political climate, may shape how Maine voters choose.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Maine and the unmaking of the blue tsunami: How the Democrats botched handling of a sex abuse scandal could be the thing that ends their Senate dream”.