Full Breakdown
Susan Collins Leverages Senate Seniority to Deliver Defense and Local Funding in Maine
By Drooid · · How we work
Senate Appropriations Influence at Bath Iron Works
During a recent morning visit to Bath Iron Works (B.I.W.), one of Maine’s largest employers, Senator Susan Collins—chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee—met with shipyard workers, distributed “Bath Built Is Best Built” shirts, and fielded mixed reactions. Collins’ seniority enables her to shape line-item spending, and the prevailing view in Maine is that her position helps keep defense contracts at the shipyard flowing to the state.
Re-Election Campaign and Opponent
Collins, a nearly thirty-year incumbent, is seeking another term in a closely watched midterm race. After the original Democratic challenger withdrew, she now faces Troy Jackson, a former logger and longtime Maine legislator who frames himself as a champion of the working class. Jackson has urged voters who feel “ignored, underestimated, pushed around” to support his campaign.
Funding Highlights Cited by Collins
Collins’ campaign messaging emphasizes concrete projects she says she has secured for Maine, including funding for forty-five fire stations and emergency money to repair a deteriorating breakwater at a local port. These items are presented as tangible benefits of her appropriations role.
Official Statements & Responses
At the ship-christening ceremony, acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao praised Collins, calling her “not just a bulldog” but a “honey badger.” Collins later told staff she was uncertain whether the nickname was intended as a compliment or an insult.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tell you what, Maine. This woman is not just a bulldog. She’s a honey badger.” — Secretary