Jackson doesn’t regret telling Collins to ‘shut up’ after protester interrupted Maine Senate debate

Maine Democrat Senator Troy Jackson has expressed no regret over his strong reaction to a protester interrupting a debate with Republican Senator Susan Collins. Jackson, a former president of the state Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union" that he does not regret telling Collins to "shut up" after she falsely accused him of orchestrating the protester's presence at the debate.

The controversy arose during the final debate before the November election, when a protester opposing data centers began shouting while Collins was speaking. Moderator asked the protester to be removed, but Collins claimed the demonstrator was one of Jackson's campaign backers. Jackson responded, "Oh, shut up. I don't even know that kid."

The Sunrise Movement, a left-wing advocacy group, claimed the protester was one of their members. However, the accused protester, Henry Elgie, a Bowdoin College student, denied any coordination with Jackson's campaign. Jackson maintained that he and Collins shook hands after each debate, but emphasized that Collins' dismissive response was unacceptable.

Collins herself acknowledged the tone of Jackson's response, saying it was telling in his approach to women who disagree with him. Jackson has faced criticism for his aggressive behavior, including once throwing a water bottle in frustration. He has apologized for his outburst and attributed his reaction to his passionate commitment to his constituents.