The Bulwark · Oct 7, 2026 · 7:26
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Will Saletan breaks down the Maine Senate debate between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, and why Collins is struggling to separate herself from Donald Trump in a state where the president remains deeply unpopular.Jackson repeatedly tied Collins to Trump on the Iran war, tariffs, abortion, health care and the Republican tax and spending bill, while Collins tried to emphasize her independence and point to the work she has done for Maine. But with Collins having cast several crucial votes for Trump’s agenda, Will explains why her strategy of distancing herself from the president may be difficult to sell to voters.
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