Susan Collins faces battle of lifetime in Maine | TheHill

ORONO, Maine — Maine lawns may not yet be overwhelmed by campaign signs, but their airwaves have been taken over by the heated rhetoric of the hottest Senate race in the country.Sen. Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsOn The Money: Democrats offer lower price tag for COVID-19 aid but stalemate persists | Jobless claims tick down but remain above 1 million | Pelosi predicts Democrats will get Trump tax returns if Biden wins Bank lobbying group launches ad backing Collins reelection bid Biden agenda hinges on Senate majority MORE is the centrist Republican incumbent who faces the political fight of her life against state House Speaker Sara Gideon to win another six-year term.Collins has been vilified by Democrats over her vote to confirm Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughTrump: I want to see first woman president, but not Harris Bank lobbying group launches ad backing Collins reelection bid Juan Williams: Harris proves the doubters wrong MORE to the Supreme Court despite claims of sexual misconduct.It is a decision that has flooded the Maine Senate battle with early money, turning it into one of the most expensive races in the country.Collins for years has struck an independent voice in a state where a majority of voters have repeatedly picked Democrats to lead the country. But in an increasingly polarized political climate, there are real questions about whether she can survive this year’s contest.Gideon and Democrats argue that far from being an independent voice, Collins has been loyal to President TrumpDonald John TrumpKanye West sues to get on Wisconsin ballot after being rejected Mary Trump reveals recordings of Trump's sister swiping at Ivanka, Eric Leonard Cohen lawyer considers legal action after RNC uses song after Trump acceptance speech MORE and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellPelosi slams GOP, says .3 trillion in coronavirus relief not enough Sharpton, police reform take center stage at National Mall Democrats worry about voter backlash in suburbs MORE (R-Ky.) when it most counted, such as on the Kavanaugh vote.The counter from Collins, who is running for a third term, is that she represents Maine and its values — and has throughout a long political career.“What this race is going to turn on is who is better able to establish their narrative on that question: Has Collins changed or has she not changed?