Full Breakdown
Sen. Susan Collins Calls for Removal of Radio Ad Targeting Troy Jackson
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins publicly distanced herself from a newly released radio advertisement produced by the Senate Leadership Fund, a super-PAC aligned with Senate Republicans. The ad, presented as a country-music jingle, labels Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson—a former state lawmaker and lumberjack—as a “freak” and a “creep,” referencing his children’s mother, who is his second cousin. Collins said she had no involvement in the ad, noted that federal law prohibits coordination with the super-PAC, and urged that the spot be taken down.
Background & Context
The ad emerged amid a highly contentious Senate race in Maine, where Democrats view Jackson’s candidacy as a chance to flip the seat. Earlier reporting indicated Collins had previously alluded to Jackson’s familial relationship, but she stopped short of naming the mother of his two children. The campaign has been marked by a surge of personal attacks, which Collins herself described as unprecedented in Maine’s political history.
Official Statements & Responses
She added that the ad should be removed and lamented the overall negativity of the campaign. In an op-ed, Lana Pelletier—Jackson’s partner and mother of his two sons—condemned the ad and the broader attacks, asserting that her family deserved the same respect Collins demands for herself. Jackson’s deputy campaign manager, Dan Gottlieb, said Collins owes an apology to Jackson’s family for spreading “disgusting personal attacks.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “If he’ll screw his own family, he’ll screw yours too.” — Republican Sen. Susan Collins
- “I’m not going to bring up the fact that the mother of his two children is his second cousin,” — Republican Sen. Susan Collins
- “Sen. Collins has been quick to demand respect and decency for herself. My family deserved the same,” — Lana Pelletier
- “This race is unique in Maine history in the number of personal attacks,” — Republican Sen. Susan Collins