Collins distances herself from super PAC ad mocking Jackson’s family

Key points

• Collins stated she had no role in the Senate Leadership Fund ad calling Jackson a 'freak' and 'creep' due to his relationship with his partner, Lana Pelletier.
• Pelletier published an op-ed criticizing the attacks, noting Collins previously referenced their second-cousin relationship in September.
• The Maine Monitor reports that over $54 million has been spent on negative ads in the race, surpassing the $46 million federal heating aid allocated for Maine this winter.
• Collins lamented the volume of personal attacks in the race, while Jackson’s campaign demanded an apology from the senator.
• The race remains a toss-up two weeks before Election Day, with Democrats hoping to retake the Senate through a Jackson victory.

Background

The Maine Senate race is a pivotal contest for control of the U.S. Senate. Collins, serving since 1996, is attempting to overcome President Trump’s low approval ratings in the state by leveraging local policy wins, including securing federal heating assistance. Jackson, a former state lawmaker, has held a narrow polling lead but faces intense scrutiny from outside groups. The race is characterized by high spending and personal attacks, with both candidates criticizing the other’s conduct.

How outlets are covering it

AP News and the Bangor Daily News report that Collins publicly distanced herself from the Senate Leadership Fund ad, citing federal laws that ban coordination with super PACs. The Maine Monitor emphasizes the financial disparity, noting that negative ad spending has eclipsed the state’s heating aid budget, a point highlighted by campaign finance experts as evidence of systemic issues. WGME focuses on Pelletier’s response, framing the ad as a violation of family dignity. While Collins criticized the ad, she also complained about 'nonstop lies' from her opponents, a sentiment echoed in the Bangor Daily News. The Maine Monitor notes that while Collins opposed the DISCLOSE Act, she supports full donor disclosure, whereas Jackson has called for overturning Citizens United.

Why it matters

The ad highlights the escalating personal nature of the campaign, potentially influencing voter sentiment in a tight race. The comparison between ad spending and heating aid underscores the impact of unlimited super PAC spending on local issues and democratic representation. Collins’s attempt to distance herself from the ad may affect her credibility among moderate voters, while the financial scale of the race reflects broader concerns about campaign finance reform in Maine.

What to watch

Collins has called for the ad to be removed, but no immediate action has been confirmed. Jackson’s campaign is demanding an apology. With Election Day two weeks away, the focus will shift to final debates and voter outreach, particularly regarding energy costs and heating assistance. The outcome of the race will determine Senate control and test the effectiveness of Collins’s strategy to defy national party trends.