Jackson enters 100-day sprint with Collins as Maine Democrats hit reset  

BANGOR – Democrats in Maine anointed progressive Troy Jackson as their pick to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R) with a tall order: Beat the five-term incumbent who has defied political gravity for three decades in 100 days.  

Democrat Graham Platner’s exit from the marquee race earlier this month left the party scrambling to find a replacement to take on Collins in the battleground race. Jackson, a Republican-turned-Democrat who previously led the state Senate, coalesced support in the following weeks to officially clinch the nomination Saturday. 

The party is now gearing up for a must-win race, and Democrats suggest they feel cautiously optimistic about their chances of ousting the formidable Maine Republican while acknowledging the tough climb they have ahead as they hit restart on the campaign.

“Look, this is going to be a very close race. Susan Collins has the advantage of incumbency and a vast amount of money,” said former Maine Democratic Party chair Tony Buxton. “Troy has the advantage of being on the right side of the issues and having a record of Susan Collins that has changed over time that I’m sure that he will point out.” 

In a roughly two-week span, the compressed contest to replace Platner evolved from a frenzied start as members of the party expressed angst about finding a candidate to a near coronation as Jackson won over party members during county delegate nominating meetings last weekend. 

Despite the lack of suspense heading into Saturday’s nominating convention, Maine Democrats were energized – and angry.  

Signs of “No More Concerns,” “Retire Susan” and “Troy Jackson for Maine” fluttered throughout the crowd. Attendees excitedly rallied around Jackson’s calls to restore federal abortion access protections and calls for solidarity with the LGBTQ community, with signs at times blocking view of the candidate.

“Abolish ICE!” someone yelled from the crowd........

© The Hill