Republican Sen. Collins promotes her independence and ‘true blue-blooded Maine’-ness by partnering with ex-Dem. Joe Manchin and breaking from Trump

Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins is actively promoting her reputation as an independent Senator and highlighting her roots in "true blue-blooded Maine" ahead of her reelection campaign. In a strategic move, Collins is campaigning alongside former Democratic colleague Joe Manchin, who endorsed her and has previously run for office.

This collaboration comes as Collins faces a tough reelection fight against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president. The two made appearances together, including a breakfast at Simones’ Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston. Manchin praised Collins for her independent spirit, willingness to challenge Republican President Donald Trump, and her fight for Maine’s interests.

"This is a true blue-blooded Maine person who knows exactly where she came from," Manchin said. Collins and Manchin later visited a New Balance shoe facility in Norway. Jackson, who is scheduled to campaign in Portland with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive congresswoman, faces a challenging campaign with less than $3 million compared to Collins' campaign fund.

Jackson has been aggressively campaigning, attracting large crowds, while Collins has focused on smaller appearances. Collins has been distancing herself from Trump, who has not campaigned in Maine. Democrats are targeting Collins' loyalty to Trump, making it a central theme in their campaign. Collin's vote for Trump's Medicaid cuts and her confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have been particularly contentious points for Democrats.