Politics
Collins comments on Democratic challenger Troy Jackson's personal life in Senate race exchange
The Maine Republican referred to reports regarding Jackson's partner during an interview, drawing reactions from campaign observers.
The short version
- Sen. Susan Collins mentioned media reports that her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, shares children with his second cousin while telling a reporter she would not raise the issue.
- Jackson's campaign criticized the focus on his personal life, calling personal attacks a distraction from policy and voting records.
- The exchange comes as scrutiny intensifies around Jackson, who joined the Senate race following the exit of previous candidate Graham Platner.
Key facts
- During an interview with Politico, Sen. Susan Collins stated that she was not going to bring up reports that Democratic opponent Troy Jackson's children are with his second cousin.[Fox News]
- Reports from The Maine Wire in July reported that Jackson and his partner share the same great-grandparents.[Fox News]
- Jackson replaced former candidate Graham Platner on the Maine ballot after Platner ended his bid following a rape allegation.[Fox News]
- Jackson's campaign stated that personal attacks on his family are a desperate effort by Collins to distract from her voting record.[Fox News]
- A 1988 police report cited a bar fight involving Jackson, which he does not dispute, while he strongly denies an allegation within the report that he pushed his partner.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Details of the 1988 police encounter remain disputed, as Jackson denies pushing his partner and his partner has stated she does not recall giving that statement to law enforcement.[Fox News]