Manchin to campaign with Collins in Maine

Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) is set to campaign with Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine this week, according to initial reports from Semafor. Manchin, known for his moderate stance, aims to highlight Collins' bipartisan record and debunk claims that she has been a supporter of former President Donald Trump. The West Virginian senator is scheduled to visit Maine on Wednesday with Collins, focusing on the Lewiston-Auburn area in Androscoggin County, a region with a balanced political landscape.

Collins has been under attack by her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, who is positioning himself as a progressive alternative to Trump. Jackson has cited Collins' voting patterns, pointing out that she often supports Trump's nominees and legislation. However, Manchin disputes these claims, arguing that they are misleading because they include votes for nominee confirmations.

Instead, he believes that Collins is not a typical Trump senator. Manchin intends to "debunk" the notion that she has enabled Trump's administration. He specifically mentioned her support for the Electoral Count Act, a law aimed at preventing a repeat of the January 6th insurrection, as well as her role in the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Manchin emphasized that their collaboration in the Senate demonstrates a willingness to work across party lines to address significant challenges. He added, "We need more people in the Senate, not fewer, who are willing to put partisanship aside, listen to one another, and deliver results." As the Maine Senate race concludes with the final stretch of their debates, Manchin's visit contrasts with Jackson's reliance on high-profile progressive allies, such as Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Jackson plans to participate in a town hall meeting with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Thursday.