Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins is running for reelection, and her history of sometimes defying President Trump may help her win. Collins is seeking her sixth term with high name recognition and a record-breaking run of consecutive Senate votes.

Career and Reelection

She has proven to be a hard target for Democrats over the years, and this time she is facing combat veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner. Collins has a history of bringing back federal funding for her state and has worked with five different Presidents throughout her Senate tenure.

Collins’ reluctance to move in lockstep with Trump can be a plus, according to Chuck Ellis, a Republican from Westbrook. Although there are some “hard-line” voters who may disapprove, Ellis said, “ultimately a lot of your conservatives, your Republicans, are people who are a bit more pragmatic.”

Trump’s Influence

Trump has often criticized Collins, but he has refrained from doing so more recently. The president understands how critical it is that Republicans maintain control of Congress after November, which requires accommodating Collins. Trump’s tightening grip on the party has cost two of her Senate Republican colleagues their reelection.

Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost their primaries when facing Trump-endorsed opponents. However, Collins has perfected the delicate dance of staying close to the president when it is politically advantageous and moving away when showing an independent streak is helpful.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.