Troy Jackson said Sunday he does not regret telling Sen. Susan Collins to shut up. The exchange came during their final debate Thursday.
- A protester opposing data centers began yelling while Collins was speaking.
- Collins called the protester "obviously one of Troy's supporters."
- Jackson replied: "Oh, shut up. I don't even know that kid."
- 19-year-old protester Henry Elgie said he had no coordination with Jackson's campaign.
Why it matters: Collins, seeking a sixth term, faces the toughest challenge of her tenure. Republicans consider the seat one they must keep.
- Under 2 points: Jackson's lead in a RealClearPolitics polling average.
- Republican-funded ads have portrayed Jackson as rude to female colleagues.
The story so far
4 steps · since Oct 12- Maine Democrats Worry Susan Collins Is Teflon-Proof for 20269 sources
- GOP Super PAC Airs Pro-Collins Ads in Wrong Portland25 sources
- Collins and Jackson Clash in Third Maine Senate Debate35 sources
- Jackson Defends Telling Collins to 'Shut Up' in DebateYou are hereLatest
How 16 sources split on this story
Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean% of 16 sources
16 sources · 18 articles · 56% Right coverage
Where they split: The dispute is whether the remark shows a pattern of hostility toward women or justified pushback against an accusation.
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center runs the wire account, giving both candidates' explanations and the protester's denial.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left frames it around Jackson standing by the remark, noting the protester denied any campaign ties.
Right coverage, 9 sources: The right emphasizes Jackson's refusal to apologize and Republican ads about his treatment of female colleagues.
What’s next: The election is Nov. 3. Both candidates are campaigning on the exchange.
- Collins told Fox News the quick reply reflected Jackson's reputation with women in the Legislature.
- Jackson said Republicans spent millions on what he called untrue claims about him.
- Will the exchange move voters in a race polling within 2 points?
- Which Republican ads did Jackson say were taken off the air, and why?
