Susan Collins has been able to win in a blue state by positioning herself as a fearlessly independent figure who speaks truth to both parties. She will undoubtedly point to her votes against Hegseth and the BBB as compelling evidence supporting her claim. Is it likely to work this time?
Collins voted for Patel, Bondi, and Noem. She is standing with the rest of the GOP against ICE reforms. Above all, she is doing nothing to oppose Trump’s war. And, of course, she still has that little Kavanaugh problem.
It’s going to be a tough sell this time around, and Trump is making it harder every day.