In the final stretch of the Maine Senate contest, a wave of Republican advertising has focused on Democratic nominee Troy Jackson’s personal life. The ads, produced by the Senate Leadership Fund, a top Republican super PAC, suggest that Jackson’s longtime partner, Lana Pelletier, is his second cousin and label him a “creep.”
Collins condemns the personal attacks
Sen. Susan Collins, the Republican incumbent, publicly distanced herself from the radio spot, stating, “If he’ll screw his own family, he’ll screw yours, too.” Her campaign spokeswoman Blake Kernen said Collins called for the ad’s removal the day it aired, emphasizing that the campaign should stay focused on policy, not family.
Jackson’s allies push back
Jackson’s supporters argue that Collins’ comments implicitly encouraged the scrutiny of his relationship with Pelletier, a social worker from Allagash who has been with Jackson for nearly four decades. Former state senator Rebecca Millett, who organized a “Women for Troy” news conference, accused Collins of unleashing the attacks and called the tactic a “bait and run” strategy.
Pelletier herself responded in an opinion piece for the Bangor Daily News, saying, “Our children have been dragged into this campaign. Our relationship has been mocked as though there is something shameful about who we are.” She stressed that there is nothing improper about their family connection.
Additional ads and accusations
The Senate Leadership Fund has also released a television ad branding Jackson a “creep” and referencing his alleged fathering of two children with his cousin. A separate ad alludes to a 2022 incident in which Jackson helped secure a cell‑tower permit on land owned by Pelletier’s parents.
Republican Aroostook County chair Chris Lydon said voters have a right to know about the candidate’s background, while acknowledging that family matters can be sensitive for some constituents.
Campaign dynamics and polling
The race remains extremely close, with recent polls showing no clear leader. Both candidates are courting women voters, a demographic Collins narrowly won in her last re‑election. The candidates have sparred in a series of debates, including a moment when Collins identified a protester as a Jackson supporter and Jackson responded, “Oh, shut up.”
Jackson has also accused Collins and her husband of profiting from the war in Iran, a claim Collins called “outrageous” and demanded an apology for, which Jackson has not offered.
Impact on campaign tone
Political science professor Mark Brewer of the University of Maine noted that the personal‑attack ads represent a departure from Maine’s traditionally civil political culture. He said the ads “definitely represent something different.”
Collins’ campaign, together with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has launched a TV spot portraying Jackson as a bully who “shuts up” women, while praising Collins as a steady representative for Maine.
As the election approaches, both sides continue to frame the contest around character and policy, with the personal‑attack ads adding a new, contentious layer to an already tight race.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
