Maine Senate rivals clash on donors and class in fourth debate

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson engaged in a contentious fourth debate Thursday night. The exchange focused on billionaire financial contributions, political loyalty, and the candidates' backgrounds, marking a shift toward personal attacks. Jackson questioned whether Collins had effectively challenged Republican decisions she opposed, while Collins raised doubts about Jackson's willingness to confront his own party when it conflicts with Maine's interests.

Early in the program, Collins pressed Jackson on his campaign pledge to reject billionaire donors. She referenced Federal Election Commission records that appeared to contradict his previous assurances. Jackson acknowledged that billionaires had supported his campaign, pausing briefly as the audience reacted audibly to his admission. He clarified that he had not entered into arrangements similar to those he attributed to Collins with wealthy backers. Jackson stated he would tax those billionaires if elected to the U.S. Senate, though he did not define the specific agreements he was referencing.

Collins also addressed her independence from President Donald Trump. A moderator asked her to cite a specific instance where she defied the president and altered a decision's outcome. Collins pointed to her opposition to the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, noting the scrutiny surrounding his qualifications and personal conduct allegations. She claimed she organized colleagues to vote against Hegseth, but one Republican switched his vote at the last moment, preventing his defeat. Jackson countered that Hegseth was ultimately confirmed despite Collins' efforts. He asserted that Collins consistently supports Trump when needed, stating this has occurred repeatedly.

Jackson defended his independence by highlighting conflicts with Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills during his time in the state Senate. He asked how he could be considered a rubber stamp if his own governor had vetoed 40 of his bills. This continued a pattern from their three previous debates where Jackson challenged Collins' voting record. Collins disputed his characterization, arguing he overstated her alignment with Trump. She noted that Jackson claimed she votes with the president 92 or 94 percent of the time, but said that figure considers only a third of the votes. She stated that when looking at 90 percent of the votes, her agreement rate is 72 percent, not 95 percent.

Near the end, Jackson, a former logger, accused Collins of looking down on him due to his working-class background. He cited her comments questioning his experience and asked if her disdain extended to working-class people generally. Collins rejected the accusation, pointing to her own roots in Caribou. She said her first job was picking potatoes and she has worked since age ten. She expressed enormous respect for all Mainers.

The debate occurred as both candidates enter the final phase of their campaigns ahead of Maine's Nov. 3 general election, where control of the U.S. Senate is at stake.