Maine Senate Race: Susan Collins

Every Senate race this year is critical to the battle for control of the chamber, but Susan Collins' bid for a new term representing the state of Maine may be the most consequential in its impact on the future of our democracy.

I had the privilege of serving for six years with Senator Collins as a colleague, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the finest US Senators in my lifetime. First of all, she is a Senator for the right reason, to serve the people of her state, rather than to attain personal glory or push a narrow partisan agenda. Second, no one works harder, as exemplified by her never having missed a Senate vote in more than two decades of service. Thirdly, she is incredibly effective, owing to her willingness to work across the aisle, to compromise, and to maintain a top-notch staff.

But all of this means nothing to knee-jerk Democratic partisans who see the only New England Republican left in Congress as an obstacle to their dream of taking over the Senate. They've been attacking Senator Collins relentlessly for defying their extreme agenda by supporting the 2017 tax cuts, voting to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and opposing the removal of the president through impeachment.

The attacks have taken a toll on Senator Collins' popularity and made her race against Maine State House Speaker Sara Gideon a dead heat. In the past few weeks, the Senator's campaign and allies have struck back, informing voters about Gideon's serious ethics problems as well as Senator Collins' extraordinary record of accomplishment. But national Democrats are pouring money into the race, and Senator Collins needs our help to keep pace.

And as Jewish Republicans, we have an especially big stake in this race. Gideon proudly aligns with J Street, while Senator Collins has been a stalwart backer of the US-Israel alliance and an opponent of the Obama Iran deal. Susan Collins has been there for us, and we need to be there for her as she faces her greatest test.

The RJC PAC has endorsed Susan Collins. You can help her win by clicking here to support her campaign.

Please watch this space for more in-depth analysis on individual races in the critical 2020 elections. If you’d like to share your thoughts with me on any of these races, please email me at [email protected]. Click here to see previous "Notes from Norm."