UMVA has learned that Republican Sen. Susan Collins has officially secured her party's nomination for a sixth six-year term in the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a crucial battle in left-leaning Maine that will determine whether Republicans maintain their slim Senate majority.
Collins, 73, can now focus on her re-election campaign, having run unopposed in Maine's Senate GOP primary. As she fights to retain her seat, she faces a determined challenge from military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner, the all-but-certain Democratic nominee.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Collins has been a top target for Democrats, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in this year's midterms. Collins acknowledged this, stating, "I have been the No. 1 target of Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, not only in this campaign, but the last two campaigns as well."
Platner, who has faced multiple controversies, including inflammatory online comments and allegations of a history of violent episodes, has been playing defense. Despite this, he has garnered support from progressive champions like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Platner's campaign has been marred by controversy, with new allegations emerging about his past behavior. Platner has acknowledged his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and has apologized for his past actions, but these controversies have raised questions about his suitability for office.
Collins, meanwhile, has focused on her Senate agenda, recently reaching a milestone by casting her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote. She has received bipartisan praise for her legislative achievements and has highlighted her efforts to support low-income families and seniors in Maine.
The contest between Collins and Platner is expected to be highly competitive, with polls suggesting a tight race. Collins, however, remains confident, pointing to her history of defeating Democratic efforts to oust her from the Senate.
As the campaign heats up, outside political groups aligned with Collins have launched ads spotlighting Platner's controversies. Platner, running as an outsider, has emphasized Collins' ties to what he describes as a "broken Washington" and a "generation of politicians who have failed us."
UMVA has gathered that the Maine Senate race is just one of several critical battles that will determine the balance of power in the Senate. With the country facing persistent inflation, rising gas prices, and an unpopular war, the stakes are high for both parties.
