Sen. Susan Collins To Remain In Senate

In a much-anticipated event in Brockport, Maine, Sen. Susan Collins (R–Maine) announced that she will not seek the governorship for Maine and remain instead in the Senate citing it as the best way for her to contribute to her state.

On Friday at a local chamber of commerce breakfast, Sen. Collins, who had previously expressed interest in a possible bid for governor of Maine, had decided that there were more pressing issues to be dealt with first in the Senate and silenced speculation that she would move on come 2018.

Rattling off a series of issues facing the country such as rising health care costs, a nuclear North Korea and Russian interference in last year’s 2016 election, Collins found plenty of reasons to remain where she is.

“The best way that I can contribute to these priorities is to remain a member of the United States Senate,” Collins said.

Her party controls both the House and Senate, and Collins is one of three moderate Republicans left in the upper chamber. Both efforts by the GOP to “repeal and replace” without a replacement have been voted down thanks to her votes.

Addressing those at the breakfast, the senator read allowed a letter from an unnamed colleague urging her to remain apart of the Senate, going as far as to say that “the institution would suffer in your absence.”

“As I thought about the senator’s words, I realized how much needs to be done in a divided, troubled Washington, if we are to serve the people that we represent effectively. I have demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle to build coalitions and to listen to the concerns of the people of my state, my country and my colleagues,” said Collins.

 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was delighted upon hearing Collins’ news. “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,” he said. 

“I am a congenital optimist, and I continue to believe that Congress can – and will – be more productive,” Collins added.