GOP Super PAC Runs Anti-Jackson Ads in Wrong Portland
A super PAC supporting Republican Sen. Susan Collins ran ads attacking her challenger, Troy Jackson, in Portland, Oregon. It meant to target Portland, Maine.
- $25,000 in digital ads ran in the Oregon market, the PAC said.
- Four days, Oct. 8 to Oct. 11, per Google ad records.
- 1 million-plus views; outlets cite figures from 1.25 to 1.5 million.
- The ad targeted Jackson's tax record and Maine's cost of living.
Why it matters: Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and Maine is a top Democratic pickup target. Recent polls show Jackson slightly ahead or tied.
- $250 million-plus has been spent in Maine by both parties, per AdImpact.
- Jackson spokesperson Dan Gottlieb said Collins' allies can't find Maine on a map.
How 16 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the error is a minor vendor mistake or a sign that Collins' allies are out of touch with Maine.
Left coverage, 10 sources: The left treats the error as an embarrassment for Collins' allies and highlights Jackson supporters' claim that outside money doesn't understand Maine.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right largely presents it as a vendor slip with a full refund, a small amount within a $250 million race.
What’s next: The PAC said its vendor will refund the full amount and no donor money is lost.
- Collins and Jackson debate Tuesday ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
- Who at the vendor made the targeting error, and how was it missed for four days?
- Will the episode affect voter views in a race this close?
