During a campaign stop in Lewiston, Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins publicly distanced herself from a new radio advertisement produced by the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC that supports Senate Republicans. The ad, presented as a country‑style song, labeled Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson a “freak” and a “creep,” and included the line, “If he’ll screw his own family, he’ll screw yours too.”
Collins’ response
Collins told reporters she “had nothing to do with that ad” and reminded listeners that federal law prohibits her from coordinating with the super PAC. Nonetheless, she said she has called for the ad’s removal, emphasizing that personal attacks have no place in a civil campaign.
Background on the controversy
The ad’s lyrics reference Jackson’s family situation, specifically that he has two children with his second cousin. In a September interview with Politico, Collins noted the fact, saying, “I’m not going to bring up the fact that the mother of his two children is his second cousin. I don’t know whether people know that or not.” The recent radio spot escalated that line of attack, prompting criticism from Jackson’s partner, Lana Pelletier.
Pelletier’s reaction
In an op‑ed published Wednesday, Pelletier condemned the ad and other attacks on her family, stating she never expected Collins or her supporters to “stoop this low.” She added, “I am not a helpless woman who needs politicians to tell the world what happened in my own life. And I am not a punchline or a caricature of where I come from.” Pelletier called for respect and decency to be extended to her family, just as Collins expects it for herself.
Jackson campaign’s demand for an apology
Jackson’s campaign manager, Dan Gottlieb, said Collins owes an apology to Jackson’s family, accusing her of spreading “disgusting personal attacks” and then attempting to distance herself from the fallout. “Now she wants Mainers to believe she’s above the very attacks she helped spread,” Gottlieb said.
Election context
The race pits incumbent Sen. Collins, a longtime Republican, against Jackson, a former state legislator and lumberjack who has served as a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate before. Democrats see Jackson’s bid as a chance to flip the seat and move toward retaking control of the Senate.
Collins on campaign tone
Collins lamented the overall negativity of the campaign, describing this election as “unique in Maine history in the number of personal attacks.” She urged voters and candidates to focus on issues rather than personal vilification.
What’s next?
The Senate Leadership Fund has not yet responded to Collins’ request to pull the ad. As the race heads into the final weeks before the November election, both campaigns are likely to continue sharpening their messages while navigating the fallout from this controversy.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
