Maine Sen. Collins enlists ex-Democratic colleague Manchin in effort to highlight her independence

Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins is leveraging her reputation for independence to fend off a tough reelection challenge from Democrat Troy Jackson. Collins is campaigning alongside former Democratic colleague Joe Manchin, who recently became an independent and endorsed her. The two made appearances together in Lewiston, highlighting their bipartisan record and Manchin's admiration for Collins' independence.

Manchin emphasized that losing Collins would mean losing the "soul of the Senate." Collins, who is seeking her sixth term, is positioning herself as independent of President Trump, a strategy aimed at distancing her from his policies and supporters. Jackson, who has raised over $20 million, has drawn larger crowds compared to Collins' more intimate appearances.

However, Collins' loyalty to Trump has been a focal point of the race, with Democrats arguing she is too close to the president. Collins has broken with Trump in the past, most notably voting to convict him during his 2021 impeachment trial.