Candidates gave their closing statements
The debate ended on a friendly note, with Jackson and Collins making their pitches to voters.
Collins alluded yet again to the money she has won for Maine and highlighted the Social Security Fairness Act she helped author and that became law. She said she opposed both Biden and Trump at times.
“To be effective in the Senate, you need knowledge, experience, seniority and relationships. That combination has allowed me to pass bipartisan legislation,” Collins said.
Jackson said that “I don’t owe Donald Trump and the billionaires anything. You know, I owe the people of the state everything.” He brought up again how Collins voted with Trump around 96% of the time and that she’s been fighting for “the billionaire class.”
“Tonight, Sen. Collins has told us how powerful she is, but power means nothing if you won’t use it when the people in Maine need it,” Jackson said, adding he passed legislation at the State House to lower prescription drug costs, support childcare and provide universal school meals along with sponsoring abortion access legislation.
“I’m never going to forget where I came from. I’m an everyday person that is so indebted to people who put me in this position to fight for them,” Jackson said.
The two shared a laugh when moderator Gregg Lagerquist of WGME said at the end he was going to ask both of them during the lightning round if the New England Patriots will make the playoffs.
Collins said they absolutely will, and razzed Jackson for being a Steelers fan.
Each candidate left the stage smiling.
-Kirby Wilson