Republican Senator Susan Collins has stated she won’t be deterred after her office in Biddeford, Maine, was vandalized on Monday. The act, which involved the phrase “Trump Whore” being spray-painted on the entry doors, was confirmed by her office and shared on social media by Maine State Senator Matt Harrington. The Biddeford police have also acknowledged that they are investigating the incident.
In response, Collins’ Chief of Staff, Katie Brown, assured that “Vandalism is unacceptable. Senator Collins and her staff will not be intimidated. Our Biddeford constituent service office remains open, and we will continue serving the people of Maine.”
Collins is seeking re-election for a sixth term in a competitive race against her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate. This contest is particularly important for Democrats aiming to regain a Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Jackson eventually spoke out against the vandalism, labeling it as “wrong” and emphasizing that Collins and her team should be able to work without fear of such acts. He firmly stated, “There’s no place for this in Maine.”
Former Maine Representative Austin Theriault, now a Republican congressional candidate, also condemned the vandalism, suggesting that it should be universally denounced regardless of political affiliations. He expressed confidence that Collins, if in Jackson’s position, would have swiftly condemned similar actions.
Maine GOP Communications Director Kristina Parker remarked that this incident reflects “the radical left’s aggression and inability to have civil discourse.” She expressed hope for a prompt and effective prosecution, advocating for a political environment that rejects such hostile behavior.
Collins’ Biddeford office is notably close to the site of a recent fatal shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Following that event, protests took place against Collins’ stance on ICE funding.
Throughout her campaign, Collins, a moderate Republican, has received mixed reactions. While she was recognized for her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote, criticisms have also arisen from both sides of the aisle regarding various issues, including her votes related to Trump’s policies and her support of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
