Collins Watch
@collinswatch.bsky.social
Keeping an eye on Maine's senior senator and Maine politics since 2006. Send tips/thoughts to [email protected]. susancollinswatch.substack.com
Plenty to criticize Graham Platner over and not hard to grasp why any number of folks might prefer Mills but this seems like a bad faith smear. E.g as far as we can tell Platner never worked for Blackwater.
Worth listening to his version of events at 20:08: tinyurl.com/3a7t27at #MEpolitics
Worth listening to his version of events at 20:08: tinyurl.com/3a7t27at #MEpolitics
November 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Plenty to criticize Graham Platner over and not hard to grasp why any number of folks might prefer Mills but this seems like a bad faith smear. E.g as far as we can tell Platner never worked for Blackwater.
Worth listening to his version of events at 20:08: tinyurl.com/3a7t27at #MEpolitics
Worth listening to his version of events at 20:08: tinyurl.com/3a7t27at #MEpolitics
There was a brief stretch in 2017 when Susan Collins had a habit of running to reporters to distance herself from this sort of embarrassing misogyny.
But that was a long time ago. And as Greeley suggests, the shift is symptomatic of Collins broader acquiescence to Trump and Trumpism. #MEpolitics
But that was a long time ago. And as Greeley suggests, the shift is symptomatic of Collins broader acquiescence to Trump and Trumpism. #MEpolitics
November 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
There was a brief stretch in 2017 when Susan Collins had a habit of running to reporters to distance herself from this sort of embarrassing misogyny.
But that was a long time ago. And as Greeley suggests, the shift is symptomatic of Collins broader acquiescence to Trump and Trumpism. #MEpolitics
But that was a long time ago. And as Greeley suggests, the shift is symptomatic of Collins broader acquiescence to Trump and Trumpism. #MEpolitics
Former Antonin Scalia clerk, Senate Judiciary Committee general counsel and deputy assistant attorney general under George W. Bush suggests, in so many words, that the Secretary of Defense committed war crimes.
November 29, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Former Antonin Scalia clerk, Senate Judiciary Committee general counsel and deputy assistant attorney general under George W. Bush suggests, in so many words, that the Secretary of Defense committed war crimes.
North Carolina-based, pro-nuclear energy Republican super PAC out with a mailer backing Susan Collins a year before Election Day.
They say Collins is "deliver[ing] innovative energy solutions" and "fighting to lower our energy bills." Really? How so? #MEpolitics via @reanderthal.bsky.social
They say Collins is "deliver[ing] innovative energy solutions" and "fighting to lower our energy bills." Really? How so? #MEpolitics via @reanderthal.bsky.social
November 29, 2025 at 12:59 AM
North Carolina-based, pro-nuclear energy Republican super PAC out with a mailer backing Susan Collins a year before Election Day.
They say Collins is "deliver[ing] innovative energy solutions" and "fighting to lower our energy bills." Really? How so? #MEpolitics via @reanderthal.bsky.social
They say Collins is "deliver[ing] innovative energy solutions" and "fighting to lower our energy bills." Really? How so? #MEpolitics via @reanderthal.bsky.social
Interesting "book club" list from Graham Platner. We're fans of David Graeber's DEBT and Eric Foner. tinyurl.com/4zj75ran #MEpolitics
November 26, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Interesting "book club" list from Graham Platner. We're fans of David Graeber's DEBT and Eric Foner. tinyurl.com/4zj75ran #MEpolitics
This is the context in which Maine Dem leadership members Fecteau, Daughtry and Pierce voted to block the consideration of a bill preventing law enforcement from wearing masks.
No one seems to know why. #MEpolitics
No one seems to know why. #MEpolitics
I need everybody to read this and understand what’s going on. These are spouses of US citizens in the country legally. They have entry clearance and green cards, they’ve passed background checks and have no criminal records. ICE is taking them anyway.
Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
Green Card Interviews End in Handcuffs for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:28 PM
This is the context in which Maine Dem leadership members Fecteau, Daughtry and Pierce voted to block the consideration of a bill preventing law enforcement from wearing masks.
No one seems to know why. #MEpolitics
No one seems to know why. #MEpolitics
NYT reports that a faction of Senate progressives (Van Hollen, Smith, Murphy, Sanders, Warren etc) are upset about not-terribly-subtle interventions by Schumer and Gillibrand (DSCC chair) into Senate primary races including backing Janet Mills over Graham Platner. tinyurl.com/mtk3afhe #MEpolitics
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
NYT reports that a faction of Senate progressives (Van Hollen, Smith, Murphy, Sanders, Warren etc) are upset about not-terribly-subtle interventions by Schumer and Gillibrand (DSCC chair) into Senate primary races including backing Janet Mills over Graham Platner. tinyurl.com/mtk3afhe #MEpolitics
Why did Susan Collins vote to confirm Noem? Has Collins ever even been asked? #MEpolitics
this extremely fashy Trump cult of personality ad featuring Kristi Noem ran this morning on Fox & Friends
November 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Why did Susan Collins vote to confirm Noem? Has Collins ever even been asked? #MEpolitics
Honest initial reaction to this was: "Why? Like why is that something you would want to do?"
Mending fences, maybe? Or he's planning to funnel it all to the half-dozen Dems who are most deferential to Trump? tinyurl.com/mrw9znre #MEpolitics
Mending fences, maybe? Or he's planning to funnel it all to the half-dozen Dems who are most deferential to Trump? tinyurl.com/mrw9znre #MEpolitics
November 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Honest initial reaction to this was: "Why? Like why is that something you would want to do?"
Mending fences, maybe? Or he's planning to funnel it all to the half-dozen Dems who are most deferential to Trump? tinyurl.com/mrw9znre #MEpolitics
Mending fences, maybe? Or he's planning to funnel it all to the half-dozen Dems who are most deferential to Trump? tinyurl.com/mrw9znre #MEpolitics
Billboards are illegal in Maine, but "Susan Collins voted to confirm RFK Jr" seems like a phrase that more folks should come in contact with more often. #MEpolitics
Third unvaccinated Kentucky baby dies of whooping cough.
Pertussis, best prevented with a vaccine, has killed three Kentucky babies in the last 12 months.
kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/25/t...
Pertussis, best prevented with a vaccine, has killed three Kentucky babies in the last 12 months.
kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/25/t...
Third unvaccinated Kentucky baby dies of whooping cough • Kentucky Lantern
A third unvaccinated infant in Kentucky has died of pertussis as public health officials urge Kentuckians to get vaccinated against the disease.
kentuckylantern.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Billboards are illegal in Maine, but "Susan Collins voted to confirm RFK Jr" seems like a phrase that more folks should come in contact with more often. #MEpolitics
Lisa Murkowski (who is not great!) managed to vote against this unconscionable and bizarre proposal. Presumably came to the conclusion that opening up Alaska schools to defunding over their policies around extracurriculars wasn't a super idea.
No such reservations for Susan Collins. #MEpolitics
No such reservations for Susan Collins. #MEpolitics
Several articles in the local press on Susan Collins support for overturning Maine's longstanding, LePage-era policy around after school sports...but not one of them notes that Collins is so thirsty to stigmatize trans kids that she voted to DEFUND MAINE SCHOOLS over the policy in 2021. #MEpolitics
November 25, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Lisa Murkowski (who is not great!) managed to vote against this unconscionable and bizarre proposal. Presumably came to the conclusion that opening up Alaska schools to defunding over their policies around extracurriculars wasn't a super idea.
No such reservations for Susan Collins. #MEpolitics
No such reservations for Susan Collins. #MEpolitics
Susan 'stigmatizing trans kids is so important I voted to defund Maine schools over it' Collins commending a constituent, apparently, for "helping others understand the real-life struggles of the nonbinary community" and "steadfast leadership" on DEI. #MEpolitics via @dabbs346.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Susan 'stigmatizing trans kids is so important I voted to defund Maine schools over it' Collins commending a constituent, apparently, for "helping others understand the real-life struggles of the nonbinary community" and "steadfast leadership" on DEI. #MEpolitics via @dabbs346.bsky.social
This -- being straight with folks about the journey Susan Collins has been on -- seems like a better approach for center/left groups than constantly puffing her up out of a misguided hope that maybe, just maybe, she'll come around if you clap hard enough. tinyurl.com/3ka9x4ku #MEpolitics @ppfa.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 PM
This -- being straight with folks about the journey Susan Collins has been on -- seems like a better approach for center/left groups than constantly puffing her up out of a misguided hope that maybe, just maybe, she'll come around if you clap hard enough. tinyurl.com/3ka9x4ku #MEpolitics @ppfa.org
Several articles in the local press on Susan Collins support for overturning Maine's longstanding, LePage-era policy around after school sports...but not one of them notes that Collins is so thirsty to stigmatize trans kids that she voted to DEFUND MAINE SCHOOLS over the policy in 2021. #MEpolitics
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Several articles in the local press on Susan Collins support for overturning Maine's longstanding, LePage-era policy around after school sports...but not one of them notes that Collins is so thirsty to stigmatize trans kids that she voted to DEFUND MAINE SCHOOLS over the policy in 2021. #MEpolitics
Lots of us (most?) feel perpetually preyed-upon and at risk of being gamed or scammed -- to a degree that's very different from, say, twenty years ago.
American capitalism has gotten coarser. More fatiguing and frustrating too.
It's an under-discussed issue in our politics. #MEpolitics
American capitalism has gotten coarser. More fatiguing and frustrating too.
It's an under-discussed issue in our politics. #MEpolitics
Google and Palantir shouldn’t exist. It’s long past time to break them up.
November 25, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Lots of us (most?) feel perpetually preyed-upon and at risk of being gamed or scammed -- to a degree that's very different from, say, twenty years ago.
American capitalism has gotten coarser. More fatiguing and frustrating too.
It's an under-discussed issue in our politics. #MEpolitics
American capitalism has gotten coarser. More fatiguing and frustrating too.
It's an under-discussed issue in our politics. #MEpolitics
Interesting re: Janet Mills. #MEpolitics
Janet Mills today: "Whether you call it Medicare for All or something else, I think it's clear the people of the United States deserve a universal health care plan. It's time."
Susan Collins today: wants to reverse a decade+ of Maine law and ban trans kids from sports and bathrooms #mepolitics
Susan Collins today: wants to reverse a decade+ of Maine law and ban trans kids from sports and bathrooms #mepolitics
November 24, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Interesting re: Janet Mills. #MEpolitics
Don't forget that Susan Collins voted to DEFUND MAINE SCHOOLS over the state's policies around after school sports -- a shocking betrayal of her constituents that would've devastated Maine if successful. (tinyurl.com/ynmcarxf)
This is a political weakness for Collins not a strength. #MEpolitics
This is a political weakness for Collins not a strength. #MEpolitics
November 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Don't forget that Susan Collins voted to DEFUND MAINE SCHOOLS over the state's policies around after school sports -- a shocking betrayal of her constituents that would've devastated Maine if successful. (tinyurl.com/ynmcarxf)
This is a political weakness for Collins not a strength. #MEpolitics
This is a political weakness for Collins not a strength. #MEpolitics
We're not campaign strategists or pollsters or messaging gurus but it seems like a one-issue campaign against Susan Collins on RFK Jr and literally nothing else would probably perform not terribly.
(Better yet three issues: RFK Jr, Kavanaugh/Roe and banning stock trading by senators.) #MEpolitics
(Better yet three issues: RFK Jr, Kavanaugh/Roe and banning stock trading by senators.) #MEpolitics
CASSIDY: I know it's titillating, but I think we need to move beyond the titillation
TAPPER: This isn't about titillation. This is about the fact that you are the chairman of the health committee and you voted to confirm somebody that by all accounts is actually making America less healthy
TAPPER: This isn't about titillation. This is about the fact that you are the chairman of the health committee and you voted to confirm somebody that by all accounts is actually making America less healthy
November 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
We're not campaign strategists or pollsters or messaging gurus but it seems like a one-issue campaign against Susan Collins on RFK Jr and literally nothing else would probably perform not terribly.
(Better yet three issues: RFK Jr, Kavanaugh/Roe and banning stock trading by senators.) #MEpolitics
(Better yet three issues: RFK Jr, Kavanaugh/Roe and banning stock trading by senators.) #MEpolitics
Susan Collins spox's DAD running messaging errands for her on CNBC. It takes a village, apparently? #MEpolitics
on squawk box, joe kernen falsely claims susan collins is working "in the middle" on ACA subsidies.
no mention that his daughter literally works for her.
#mesen #mepolitics
no mention that his daughter literally works for her.
#mesen #mepolitics
November 24, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Susan Collins spox's DAD running messaging errands for her on CNBC. It takes a village, apparently? #MEpolitics
Speaker Fecteau, Senate Pres Daughtry and Maj Leader Pierce voted to block consideration of a bill that'd ban law enforcement from wearings masks to conceal their identities.
Hearing a couple plausible theories as to why but seen no public rationale from the Dem reps for their votes. #MEpolitics
Hearing a couple plausible theories as to why but seen no public rationale from the Dem reps for their votes. #MEpolitics
High school senior, a U.S. citizen, detained by ICE in Oregon
The 17-year-old was held more than five hours Friday in an ICE facility, his brother said.
www.oregonlive.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Speaker Fecteau, Senate Pres Daughtry and Maj Leader Pierce voted to block consideration of a bill that'd ban law enforcement from wearings masks to conceal their identities.
Hearing a couple plausible theories as to why but seen no public rationale from the Dem reps for their votes. #MEpolitics
Hearing a couple plausible theories as to why but seen no public rationale from the Dem reps for their votes. #MEpolitics
After a strong headline this past week underscoring Susan Collins have-it-both-ways nonsense on the funding bill and the self-dealing provision she slipped into it...BDN is back to its old ways.
Someone please give these folks a tutorial on what the word "want" means. #MEpolitics
Someone please give these folks a tutorial on what the word "want" means. #MEpolitics
November 22, 2025 at 6:41 PM
After a strong headline this past week underscoring Susan Collins have-it-both-ways nonsense on the funding bill and the self-dealing provision she slipped into it...BDN is back to its old ways.
Someone please give these folks a tutorial on what the word "want" means. #MEpolitics
Someone please give these folks a tutorial on what the word "want" means. #MEpolitics
Keeping folks from being grabbed up by unidentified masked, armed men is arguably THE core responsibility of government. It's why we have government in the first place!
That three senior Maine Dem electeds apparently don't see it that way (?) is something that deserves more scrutiny. #MEpolitics
That three senior Maine Dem electeds apparently don't see it that way (?) is something that deserves more scrutiny. #MEpolitics
Would welcome an explanation from Dems Fecteau, Daughtry and Pierce for why they voted against this. Seems not great to put it mildly! #MEpolitics
Maine lawmakers won’t consider proposed ban on masks for ICE agents
Maine lawmakers decline to consider proposal banning masked law enforcement officers. The bill aimed to increase accountability and transparency.
www.bangordailynews.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Keeping folks from being grabbed up by unidentified masked, armed men is arguably THE core responsibility of government. It's why we have government in the first place!
That three senior Maine Dem electeds apparently don't see it that way (?) is something that deserves more scrutiny. #MEpolitics
That three senior Maine Dem electeds apparently don't see it that way (?) is something that deserves more scrutiny. #MEpolitics
Susan Collins on her role in the govt funding bill before she got blowback about the vile, corrupt provision she's reported to have slipped in to benefit several of her GOP Senate pals:
"I was responsible for not only putting the bill together but also managing it on the Senate floor." #MEpolitics
"I was responsible for not only putting the bill together but also managing it on the Senate floor." #MEpolitics
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Susan Collins on her role in the govt funding bill before she got blowback about the vile, corrupt provision she's reported to have slipped in to benefit several of her GOP Senate pals:
"I was responsible for not only putting the bill together but also managing it on the Senate floor." #MEpolitics
"I was responsible for not only putting the bill together but also managing it on the Senate floor." #MEpolitics
Surprising we haven't seen any Lucas Lanigan-themed ads in ME-SEN so far given that fully half the funds he raised last cycle came from Susan Collins who (at least as far as we know) hasn't repudiated him let alone called for him to step down. #MEpolitics
Maine lawmaker receives court-appointed lawyer in delayed domestic violence case
Lucas Lanigan's arrest came shortly before last year’s general election that ended with his winning reelection to a second term.
www.bangordailynews.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Surprising we haven't seen any Lucas Lanigan-themed ads in ME-SEN so far given that fully half the funds he raised last cycle came from Susan Collins who (at least as far as we know) hasn't repudiated him let alone called for him to step down. #MEpolitics
In other news, even having abandoned his campaign after being faced with a primary challenge, Jared Golden continues to do somersaults to avoid calling Trump out by name.
At least he's consistent? tinyurl.com/ebufx3ej #MEpolitics
At least he's consistent? tinyurl.com/ebufx3ej #MEpolitics
November 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
In other news, even having abandoned his campaign after being faced with a primary challenge, Jared Golden continues to do somersaults to avoid calling Trump out by name.
At least he's consistent? tinyurl.com/ebufx3ej #MEpolitics
At least he's consistent? tinyurl.com/ebufx3ej #MEpolitics