Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson said he would not apologize for telling Republican Sen. Susan Collins to “shut up” during a Maine debate, as their Nov. 3 contest approaches with Senate control at stake.
The Oct. 15 exchange began when a protester interrupted Collins at the candidates’ final debate in Bangor. As moderators sought to remove him, Collins described him as “obviously one of Troy’s supporters.” Jackson answered, “Oh, shut up,” and said he did not know the protester.
On CNN’s “State of the Union” on Oct. 18, Jackson said he understood Collins’s words as an accusation that he had staged the interruption. The debate recording shows she called the protester a supporter but did not allege that Jackson had arranged his appearance. Jackson said he would not apologize because he felt Collins had talked down to him.
The protester objected to artificial intelligence data centers and raised concerns about climate and water. The Sunrise Movement identified him as one of its volunteers. The New York Times reported that he said he had not coordinated with Jackson’s campaign. His account of coordination does not establish whether he supported Jackson.
Collins told Fox News that Jackson’s quick response stood out to her. She also invoked what she called his reputation from his time in the Maine Legislature, particularly in disagreements with women.
Jackson, a former president of Maine’s state Senate, told CNN that political opponents were making untrue claims about him and his family. He said he had shaken hands with Collins after their debates but maintained that he would not accept being spoken down to by her.
Collins is seeking a sixth Senate term in a race that could help decide which party controls the chamber. Maine voters will choose between the candidates on Nov. 3.
