Sen. Susan Collins has deep roots in hard work. At 10 years old, she, like many children in Caribou, Maine, picked potatoes to help farmers. She recalls her mother’s words warning her of the difficult task ahead. The work ethic she learned shaped her political career, leading to her 10,000th straight vote in the Senate and chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee.
This dedication has placed her at the center of a heated election. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aims to take her seat, while her race against Democratic nominee Graham Platner draws controversy.
“I remember my mother saying to me when I was going to pick for the first time at age 10, saying, ‘Now, Susan, this is really hard, back-breaking work, but you cannot quit. The farmers are depending on you, and you can’t let them down,’” Collins told Fox News Digital.
Despite Platner’s scandals, Collins takes her opponent seriously. She expressed surprise that Gov. Janet Mills did not run, given the serious allegations against Platner. In his campaign, Platner criticized Collins for her Iraq War vote and support for parts of Trump’s agenda, accusing her of corruption.
Collins emphasizes her achievements, arguing her record contrasts sharply with Platner’s rhetoric. Her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee has brought $1.5 billion to Maine over five years. Yet, the race remains competitive.
Schumer, who has long sought to defeat Collins, sees opportunity. He notes her support for Trump and vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh have made her vulnerable. Collins counters that Democratic leaders misrepresent her record. She supported Trump’s bill to amend and secured $50 billion for rural hospitals, despite opposing the final version.
On Roe v. Wade, Collins disagreed with Kavanaugh’s vote but points to her support for Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson, highlighting her bipartisan approach. Although Trump is not her ally, Collins values independent decision-making.
She stated she considers every issue on its merits for Maine’s benefit. Though some may wish opposition to Trump, her decisions are based on policy impacts for her state.
Alex Miller writes for Fox News Digital on the U.S. Senate.