Republican U. S.
Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson met Tuesday night in Portland for their first televised debate.
The matchup centered on Supreme Court appointments and abortion rights as control of the Senate hangs in the balance.
Kavanaugh Vote Under Fire
Jackson immediately targeted Collins over her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
He pressed her on that decision following the court's subsequent ruling to overturn federal abortion rights.
"Would you trust her to pick the next Supreme Court justice?" Jackson asked.
He noted recent comments from Justice Samuel Alito regarding potential retirement and pressed Collins directly on her judicial record.
"What will it take for you to admit that you were wrong [on Kavanaugh]?" Jackson asked.
Collins defended her vote by stating that asking judicial nominees how they would rule on specific cases during confirmation hearings would be inappropriate.
"There's only one of us on this stage who has always been pro-choice, and that's me," Collins said.
She also pointed to earlier anti-abortion positions taken by Jackson during his previous state legislative career.
"She doesn't regret the vote," Jackson said.
Jackson criticized Collins' alignment with Donald Trump, claiming she voted with the former president 96 percent of the time and failed to adequately counter his policies on tariffs, immigration, and foreign affairs.
"Sen.
Collins is like an arsonist who set the fire and then she wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put it out," Jackson said.
Collins contested the statistical methodology cited by Jackson, while shifting focus toward state-level issues in Augusta and attributing high electricity costs to state Democratic policies.
"I'm not exactly his favorite senator," Collins said.
She highlighted her efforts to secure tariff exemptions for Maine products and pitched herself as an independent lawmaker who has clashed with Trump.
"If you look at the policies that have driven up the cost of living in Maine, you have to look at Augusta," Collins said.
Collins also addressed recent investigative news reports alleging a pay-to-play scheme involving her senate office.
She stated at the debate that the allegations were "completely false" and "very offensive."
Jackson countered that the report demonstrated how "politicians are bought and paid for."
Regarding healthcare policy, Jackson voiced support for universal coverage proposals raised during the forum.
"I support Medicare for All so that people I know across the state have health care," Jackson said.
The Portland debate was the first of four scheduled face-offs between Collins and Jackson over a 10-day period leading up to the election.
