ROCKLAND, Maine — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has frustrated her fellow Republicans at times lately on Capitol Hill, killing two of their plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act since July.
You wouldn’t know that from how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, reacted to her Friday announcement that she won’t run for governor in 2018. He issued a statement noting Maine’s “Dirigo” motto — Latin for “I lead” — and her perfect Senate attendance record.
“Her decision to remain in the Senate is important not only for the people of Maine, who she serves so well, but for the nation as a whole,” McConnell said.
The fourth-term Republican from Maine isn’t always a reliable vote, but Collins may be the only one in the party who can reliably hold her seat — which she last won in 2014 with 67 percent of votes — in a swing state. Many Democrats also want her around if they want to cut deals in chamber where Republicans have only a 52-48 majority.
The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “Susan Collins’ choice to stay in Senate met with relief in DC,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Michael Shepherd, please follow this link to the BDN online.
