Maine’s senior Republican senator, Susan Collins, publicly rejected new allegations that she was involved in an FBI bribery investigation. Collins said the story, which cites former defense contractor executive Martin Kao, is a “political hit job” driven by Democratic operatives and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Background of the claims
ProPublica reported that Kao, a convicted fraudster, told the FBI his company funneled $150,000 through a shell corporation to a super PAC that supported Collins’ 2020 re‑election. The outlet says Kao later cooperated with investigators, prompting a new phase of a broader bribery probe that began in 2024.
Collins dismissed Kao’s credibility, noting his two prior convictions for money‑laundering, bank fraud and false filings with the Federal Election Commission. “I do not understand how anyone would take the word of a felon who’s been convicted twice,” she told Wall Street Journal columnist Kim Strassel.
Collins’ response and prior FBI findings
In an interview with Punchbowl News, Collins blamed Democrats for the timing of the report and called it a “smear job” that offends both her and her staff. She also reminded listeners that the FBI previously investigated the matter and found no evidence implicating her or her campaign. “The Biden‑led Justice Department and FBI totally cleared my office, my campaign and me five years ago of these 7‑year‑old allegations,” Collins said.
Federal contractors are prohibited from donating directly to political campaigns, which is why Kao allegedly used a shell company to mask the contribution. Campaign‑finance records obtained by ProPublica show the shell company made a donation to the super PAC backing Collins in 2020, and emails suggest the PAC head, Scott Reed, was aware of the arrangement.
Impact on the 2026 Senate race
Collins is currently facing Democrat Troy Jackson in a race that could determine Senate control in 2027. While the allegations have generated national attention, local observers note that the timing of the story may be intended to sway undecided voters in a tightly contested contest.
The FBI declined to comment on the newer investigation launched in 2024, and Collins’ office did not respond to a request for further comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
