Collins Watch
@collinswatch.bsky.social
Keeping an eye on Maine's senior senator and Maine politics since 2006. Send tips/thoughts to collinswatch@protonmail.com. susancollinswatch.substack.com
Some other doozies but gotta think Susan Collins top accomplishment of 2025 (so far!) was putting RFK Jr in charge of national health policy. Hard to top that. #MEpolitics via @dabbs346.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Some other doozies but gotta think Susan Collins top accomplishment of 2025 (so far!) was putting RFK Jr in charge of national health policy. Hard to top that. #MEpolitics via @dabbs346.bsky.social
Not sure if Mamdani's deliberately subtweeting Obama here but yes: Obama built a vast coalition; won huge; and then told supporters 'I got this' and let the infrastructure wither.
Then when Susan Collins et al blocked him there was no robust network to push back. And then we got Trump. #MEpolitics
Then when Susan Collins et al blocked him there was no robust network to push back. And then we got Trump. #MEpolitics
Mamdani: Oftentimes when we win elections, we tell people to go home and just trust us. But the message really has to be that we want you to come along with us… That’s something we’ve been looking to share with New Yorkers: We want to not only win with New Yorkers, but also govern with New Yorkers.
December 8, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Not sure if Mamdani's deliberately subtweeting Obama here but yes: Obama built a vast coalition; won huge; and then told supporters 'I got this' and let the infrastructure wither.
Then when Susan Collins et al blocked him there was no robust network to push back. And then we got Trump. #MEpolitics
Then when Susan Collins et al blocked him there was no robust network to push back. And then we got Trump. #MEpolitics
Thoughtful column from former Waterville mayor Karen Heck -- that seems to channel what a sizable chunk of Dem voters are feeling -- on why she backs Platner over Mills.
Mills's camp will surely come up with a response to this framing of the race. But we've seen no sign of it yet. #MEpolitics
Mills's camp will surely come up with a response to this framing of the race. But we've seen no sign of it yet. #MEpolitics
Opinion: Enthusiasm is more important than experience in a US senator
Karen Heck, former mayor and philanthropist, shares her thoughts on the U.S. Senate race in Maine, advocating for a candidate who will challenge the system.
www.bangordailynews.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Thoughtful column from former Waterville mayor Karen Heck -- that seems to channel what a sizable chunk of Dem voters are feeling -- on why she backs Platner over Mills.
Mills's camp will surely come up with a response to this framing of the race. But we've seen no sign of it yet. #MEpolitics
Mills's camp will surely come up with a response to this framing of the race. But we've seen no sign of it yet. #MEpolitics
Funny bit from a just-published Jared Golden interview with Bangor Daily News. Okay, bro! tinyurl.com/yckcpk6d #MEpolitics
December 8, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Funny bit from a just-published Jared Golden interview with Bangor Daily News. Okay, bro! tinyurl.com/yckcpk6d #MEpolitics
Susan Collins is 73 years old. #MEpolitics
December 8, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Susan Collins is 73 years old. #MEpolitics
Two candidates with very different styles and strategies. #MEpolitics
December 7, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Two candidates with very different styles and strategies. #MEpolitics
A Michigan-based former Ted Cruz and Gingrich staffer thinks Susan Collins is great...and the folks who run PPH and its sister papers have decided this guy's paen to Collins deserves pride of place in their Sunday editions.
Why? Why shouldn't readers conclude you're in the tank for her? #MEpolitics
Why? Why shouldn't readers conclude you're in the tank for her? #MEpolitics
December 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
A Michigan-based former Ted Cruz and Gingrich staffer thinks Susan Collins is great...and the folks who run PPH and its sister papers have decided this guy's paen to Collins deserves pride of place in their Sunday editions.
Why? Why shouldn't readers conclude you're in the tank for her? #MEpolitics
Why? Why shouldn't readers conclude you're in the tank for her? #MEpolitics
Fascinating discussion of Mills vs Platner starting at 38:00 including audio excerpts from a focus group. #MEpolitics
Why Voters Don’t Believe Either Party (w/ Astead Herndon) | The Focus Group
YouTube video by The Bulwark
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Fascinating discussion of Mills vs Platner starting at 38:00 including audio excerpts from a focus group. #MEpolitics
Truly bonkers how few people with power -- including supposedly "good" folks who have framed themselves as opponents of Trump and stalwarts against creeping authoritarianism -- are willing to say this.
A stain on every single one of them. We can do better. #MEpolitics
A stain on every single one of them. We can do better. #MEpolitics
Minneapolis police chief warns officers: Stop unlawful force by ICE or lose your job
Chief Brian O’Hara says he’ll fire city police officers if they don’t intervene when immigration agents use unlawful force.
www.ms.now
December 6, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Truly bonkers how few people with power -- including supposedly "good" folks who have framed themselves as opponents of Trump and stalwarts against creeping authoritarianism -- are willing to say this.
A stain on every single one of them. We can do better. #MEpolitics
A stain on every single one of them. We can do better. #MEpolitics
BDN runs a LTE glorifying Susan Collins that seems to have been sent in by a former Maine GOP state committee member, party secretary and chief caucus warden -- without identifying her by any of these titles.
Being a core Collins supporter requires an appetite/tolerance for deception. #MEpolitics
Being a core Collins supporter requires an appetite/tolerance for deception. #MEpolitics
December 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
BDN runs a LTE glorifying Susan Collins that seems to have been sent in by a former Maine GOP state committee member, party secretary and chief caucus warden -- without identifying her by any of these titles.
Being a core Collins supporter requires an appetite/tolerance for deception. #MEpolitics
Being a core Collins supporter requires an appetite/tolerance for deception. #MEpolitics
When you run a keyword search of this article for "Susan Collins", nothing comes up.
I'm sorry but these folks know better. They're deliberately hiding the ball. #MEpolitics
I'm sorry but these folks know better. They're deliberately hiding the ball. #MEpolitics
December 6, 2025 at 3:13 PM
When you run a keyword search of this article for "Susan Collins", nothing comes up.
I'm sorry but these folks know better. They're deliberately hiding the ball. #MEpolitics
I'm sorry but these folks know better. They're deliberately hiding the ball. #MEpolitics
Jared Golden not exactly covering himself in glory on the way out the door. It could be a long 13 months with this guy. #MEpolitics
House Republicans and A Few Dozen Democrats Peddle Conspiracy Theories, Want Public Schools to Be…
This week, House Republicans, rather than focusing on real problems like Pete Hegseth’s murder spree or the looming expiration of ACA tax…
jonathancohn.medium.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Jared Golden not exactly covering himself in glory on the way out the door. It could be a long 13 months with this guy. #MEpolitics
Very long profile of Graham Platner that doesn't explore a whole lot of new ground...except for its detailed recounting of how he got recruited for the race which we haven't seen previously. #MEpolitics
Graham Platner Really Might Be Doomed. Pay Attention to Him Anyway.
The candidate embodies a quarter-century of raw American frustration. It’s the source of his strength — and potentially his downfall.
www.politico.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Very long profile of Graham Platner that doesn't explore a whole lot of new ground...except for its detailed recounting of how he got recruited for the race which we haven't seen previously. #MEpolitics
Can't imagine Gov. Mills vetoes this bill...but it's nonetheless striking that she hasn't already said she'll sign it, or explained why she didn't do so back in July. tinyurl.com/mryru46v #MEpolitics
December 5, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Can't imagine Gov. Mills vetoes this bill...but it's nonetheless striking that she hasn't already said she'll sign it, or explained why she didn't do so back in July. tinyurl.com/mryru46v #MEpolitics
Oh wow Angus King was wrong when he said capitulating was the most promising path to success. Shocked! #MEpolitics
🚨 Sen. Angus King, who negotiated the deal to end the shutdown, tells me he no longer sees a path to extend ACA funds, citing GOP demands for tougher abortion limits. “The Republicans have made Hyde a red line,” King said. “And that’s not gonna work.” www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Democrats will force a Senate vote on a 3-year extension of Affordable Care Act funds
The legislation is all but guaranteed to fail next week, due to widespread Republican opposition, and become a key issue in the 2026 elections as insurance premiums rise.
www.nbcnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Oh wow Angus King was wrong when he said capitulating was the most promising path to success. Shocked! #MEpolitics
Angus King votes for yet another Trump judge. #MEpolitics
Dem/Ind Senators voting in favor: Coons, Durbin, Gallego, Hassan, Hirono, Kaine, Kelly, King (I), Klobuchar, Reed, & Rosen.
Senators not voting: Daines, Graham, Hyde-Smith, Kennedy, Moody, Moran, Murphy, Schiff, Shaheen, Tuberville, & Whitehouse.
Senators not voting: Daines, Graham, Hyde-Smith, Kennedy, Moody, Moran, Murphy, Schiff, Shaheen, Tuberville, & Whitehouse.
December 4, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Angus King votes for yet another Trump judge. #MEpolitics
1) Susan Collins doesn't know what she believes until she gets permission from her GOP overlords.
2) Susan Collins thinks this is all a game.
3) Susan Collins can't avoid looking ridiculous even in a kid gloves interview by an outlet built around sycophantic access "journalism." #MEpolitics
2) Susan Collins thinks this is all a game.
3) Susan Collins can't avoid looking ridiculous even in a kid gloves interview by an outlet built around sycophantic access "journalism." #MEpolitics
December 4, 2025 at 2:43 PM
1) Susan Collins doesn't know what she believes until she gets permission from her GOP overlords.
2) Susan Collins thinks this is all a game.
3) Susan Collins can't avoid looking ridiculous even in a kid gloves interview by an outlet built around sycophantic access "journalism." #MEpolitics
2) Susan Collins thinks this is all a game.
3) Susan Collins can't avoid looking ridiculous even in a kid gloves interview by an outlet built around sycophantic access "journalism." #MEpolitics
Susan Collins is cool with Trump taking food stamps money away from Maine as part of his gutter racism campaign to slime immigrants and immigration.
Doubt this plays well with Mainers but MAGA loves it and Collins's first rule is that MAGA gets what MAGA wants, Maine values be damned. #MEpolitics
Doubt this plays well with Mainers but MAGA loves it and Collins's first rule is that MAGA gets what MAGA wants, Maine values be damned. #MEpolitics
Susan Collins says Maine should be ‘transparent’ with SNAP data amid Trump’s threat
States fighting the request have said they verify SNAP eligibility and never share large swaths of sensitive data
www.bangordailynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Susan Collins is cool with Trump taking food stamps money away from Maine as part of his gutter racism campaign to slime immigrants and immigration.
Doubt this plays well with Mainers but MAGA loves it and Collins's first rule is that MAGA gets what MAGA wants, Maine values be damned. #MEpolitics
Doubt this plays well with Mainers but MAGA loves it and Collins's first rule is that MAGA gets what MAGA wants, Maine values be damned. #MEpolitics
None of Trump's second term judicial nominees will admit he lost the 2020 election...and Susan Collins has voted to confirm all but one of them. #MEpolitics
As a senator, l'd be a hell no on Trump judges who can't even say he lost the 2020 election.
December 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
None of Trump's second term judicial nominees will admit he lost the 2020 election...and Susan Collins has voted to confirm all but one of them. #MEpolitics
Angus King, who keeps caving to Trump, will be in the Senate until 2030 if he wants to be.
Hard to envision him ditching the Neville Chamberlain shtick absent an organizing/engagement strategy to reach him and move him. Not sure if this is the answer but at least it's a start. #MEpolitics
Hard to envision him ditching the Neville Chamberlain shtick absent an organizing/engagement strategy to reach him and move him. Not sure if this is the answer but at least it's a start. #MEpolitics
A progressive group is targeting New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan and Maine Sen. Angus King for voting to confirm some of President Trump's judicial nominees. on.nbcboston.com/U6Js0UB
Progressive group targets Hassan, King for backing Trump's judicial nominees
A progressive group is targeting two Senate Democrats and an independent senator who voted to confirm some of President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees, promising to spend more than $1 million in hopes of pushing congressional Democrats to take a stronger stand against the Republican president.
on.nbcboston.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Angus King, who keeps caving to Trump, will be in the Senate until 2030 if he wants to be.
Hard to envision him ditching the Neville Chamberlain shtick absent an organizing/engagement strategy to reach him and move him. Not sure if this is the answer but at least it's a start. #MEpolitics
Hard to envision him ditching the Neville Chamberlain shtick absent an organizing/engagement strategy to reach him and move him. Not sure if this is the answer but at least it's a start. #MEpolitics
Still not aware of Mills, Frey, Maine AGs, district attorneys or frankly anyone in a position of executive authority in Maine having said anything like this.
And of course Maine Dem legislative leadership recently blocked consideration of a bill to ban mask-wearing by law enforcement. #MEpolitics
And of course Maine Dem legislative leadership recently blocked consideration of a bill to ban mask-wearing by law enforcement. #MEpolitics
O'Hara: "There's folks that are masked, they may be kidnapping people. We have had those reports. The community should know that if you see something like that, you should call 911. Let's not forget -- we very recently had tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement."
December 3, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Still not aware of Mills, Frey, Maine AGs, district attorneys or frankly anyone in a position of executive authority in Maine having said anything like this.
And of course Maine Dem legislative leadership recently blocked consideration of a bill to ban mask-wearing by law enforcement. #MEpolitics
And of course Maine Dem legislative leadership recently blocked consideration of a bill to ban mask-wearing by law enforcement. #MEpolitics
Angus King votes to confirm another Trump judge. #MEpolitics
Dem/Ind senators voting in favor: Durbin, Hassan, Kaine, King (I), Peters, Rosen, Shaheen, and Whitehouse.
Senator Cruz did not vote.
Senator Cruz did not vote.
December 2, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Angus King votes to confirm another Trump judge. #MEpolitics
Susan Collins and the rest of them should resign over their roles in this.
The fact that they are unlikely to do underscores their poor character but shouldn't be allowed to obscure the scope of their failure and betrayal. #MEpolitics
The fact that they are unlikely to do underscores their poor character but shouldn't be allowed to obscure the scope of their failure and betrayal. #MEpolitics
December 2, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Susan Collins and the rest of them should resign over their roles in this.
The fact that they are unlikely to do underscores their poor character but shouldn't be allowed to obscure the scope of their failure and betrayal. #MEpolitics
The fact that they are unlikely to do underscores their poor character but shouldn't be allowed to obscure the scope of their failure and betrayal. #MEpolitics
Media outlets with access never ask Susan Collins the most relevant questions because tossing softballs is how they got access to begin with.
E.g. 11 months into Trump she hasn't held even one oversight hearing and that fact literally never comes up.
Amazing. And gross. And corrupt. #MEpolitics
E.g. 11 months into Trump she hasn't held even one oversight hearing and that fact literally never comes up.
Amazing. And gross. And corrupt. #MEpolitics
December 1, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Media outlets with access never ask Susan Collins the most relevant questions because tossing softballs is how they got access to begin with.
E.g. 11 months into Trump she hasn't held even one oversight hearing and that fact literally never comes up.
Amazing. And gross. And corrupt. #MEpolitics
E.g. 11 months into Trump she hasn't held even one oversight hearing and that fact literally never comes up.
Amazing. And gross. And corrupt. #MEpolitics