Posted on 10/13/2017 6:28:56 PM PDT by markomalley
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) warmly greeted the news that the GOP colleague who has stymied passage of some of his main agenda items will be staying in Congress.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a reliable moderate who has served in the upper chamber since 1997, was easily re-elected to a six-term in 2014.
“As most of you know, I have been deliberating for some time about whether or not to seek the Republican nomination for governor," Collins said of the 2018 race this morning at the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Business Breakfast in her home state. "Shortly after I was re-elected to the Senate in 2014, many residents of our state began urging me to consider running for governor. I am touched that many of our residents believe that I could provide our state with thoughtful and effective leadership, particularly in providing greater economic opportunities and more jobs throughout our state. The ‘hands-on’ nature of the governor’s job is very appealing to me."
“Many who stopped me on the streets, in stores, at church, and in countless communities have also suggested that I could help heal the divisions in our state," she added in a dig at GOP Gov. Paul LePage. “...Were I to be successful in a campaign for governor, it would, of course, mean giving up my seat in the United States Senate. When I was first sworn in, I was 99th in seniority. I am now 15th."
Collins noted that Maine voters "have rewarded" her efforts in Congress "by re-electing me three times, by ever-increasing margins, and for these votes of confidence, I will be forever grateful."
She said the "decision has not been an easy one," but she'd be staying put.
“These are difficult times in our country, and the Senate reflects the discord and division that characterize our nation today. One of my Senate colleagues wrote me a lovely note urging me to stay in the Senate, saying: ‘The institution would suffer in your absence. While the temptation might be to walk away and leave the problems to others, there are very few who have the ability to bring about positive change. You are such a person,'" Collins said.
“As I thought about this senator’s words, I realized how much remains to be done in a divided and troubled Washington if we are to serve the people of our states," she added. "I have demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle, to build coalitions, and to listen to the people of my state and my country. The challenges we face today are enormous – from frustrated families with stagnant wages and expensive health care to a nuclear-armed North Korea and Russian interference in the very fabric of our democracy, our elections."
Collins concluded "that the best way that I can contribute to these priorities is to remain a member of the United States Senate.”
McConnell declared in a statement that Collins "lives up to her state motto, Dirigo [I lead], every day in the Senate."
"She never misses votes. She fights fiercely for her constituents. She brings conviction, smarts and leadership to every issue," the GOP leader said. "Her decision to remain in the Senate is important not only for the people of Maine, who she serves so well, but for the nation as a whole.”
Collins decides to stay to f**k up Trump’s agenda.
Exactly!
Bought and paid for. She got paid more NOT to run for governor. Me Me Me move.
Overpaid Maine-iac. Most of her State is on the WELFARE plantation and she is all Good with that.
They didn’t want her as governor....hell senators can die in office..
She does know she’s part of the problem.
Collins and McCain! They’ll be a big help.
Her Gov polling must be a disaster .
Reversed course
It’s like these Senators get the idea it would be impossible to replace 1 of 100 people, with new blood.
She’s been a Democrat at heart her whole time in Washington.
When doe the opposition party (us) get a chance a leadership? Never?
She and a whole slew of others need to step down.
They’re not up to the task.
I live in Maine.
Collins spoke at 8:00 this morning at a business conference at the Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine, a mid-coast Maine city.
Her 25-minute rambling speech was broadcast live on “Maine in the Morning,” a local radio show.
I could only stand to listen for about 15 seconds at a time before I turned off the radio, then eventually turned it back on, then off again.
She went on and on about the different health care repeal bills this past year, etc. Trying to bail herself out.
Last spring, a woman here in Maine who is well connected with the Maine state Republican party told me that Collins would lose if she ran for governor.
Plus, Collins’ husband is a lobbyist in Washington. (Sounds like a conflict of interest). If Collins left the Senate, his business would dry up.
Also, the office of Maine governor pays $100,000 less than a U.S. Senator, so that may have played a role in her decision.
Personally, I can’t stand Collins. I wish Trump would appoint her U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia.
Hopefully, she will be neutered after the 2018 election when a number of new pro-Trump people are elected.
“Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a reliable moderate”
Journalistic malpractice.
A complete loser on every level.
Well, she didn’t get there on another other ticket than the (R), so I’ll ask: what’s the use of the Party when the majority of those elected under\w/ the help of don’t support the platform??
Quite obviously seems party > politics > principles. Yet, not many seen to able to notice there’s more than TWO choices per position on the ballot.
Maybe she’ll choke on her tongue before the year is out.
I realize that it is a medical condition, but does she have to act like an idiot just because she sounds like one?
Floozy Collins is a yellow Snowe whore ...
LePage needs to Cantorize Collins.
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