In a time of war, rising costs and Medicaid cuts, Democrats in Maine say another issue is motivating them in this fall’s Senate race: Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court eight years ago.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.A pivotal vote by longtime Republican Sen.Susan Collins of Maine pushed Kavanaugh over the finish line in 2018 after she famously said he considered Roe v.
Wade “settled law” — a comment that turned out to be wrong.In 2022, Kavanaugh was a deciding vote in the 5-4 majority that overturned the landmark case, paving the way for abortion bans in many states.“After she voted for Kavanaugh, that was the last straw,” said Arie Mobley, who attended a rally on Friday for Collins’ presumptive challenger Graham Platner, a Democrat.“I remember listening to her when she was on the radio, and I was so excited that she was talking as if she wasn’t going to confirm Kavanaugh.
I was like, ‘Oh, good, good, good!’” recounted Janice Low as she and her husband, Galen Low, exited the same rally.But then Collins voted to confirm him.
“It was just so representative.That she could say this — and then do that.” Now, with Senate control on the line, Kavanaugh’s shadow is looming large in Maine in more ways than one.
In 2018, Collins defended the Supreme Court nominee as he faced allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct that Democrats called disqualifying for a position of power.Kavanaugh denied the allegations, saying, “The truth is I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone, in high school or otherwise.” Sen.
Susan Collins has long been a top target for Democrats, who see Maine as critical in the party's path to regaining the Senate in 2026.Daniel Heuer / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesToday, Collins is facing a Democratic opponent who is accused by an ex-girlfriend of being physically threatening, an allegation she calls “extremely troubling.�...