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Brian Duff, Ph.D., associate professor and chair in the Department of Political Science, was interviewed for an article in the February 26 issue of the Portland Press Herald. The article, “Voters are pressuring Sen. Collins to hold a town hall meeting,” discussed recent protests against Maine Senator Susan Collins, held by constituents who are upset by what they see as Collins “siding” with President Trump on key issues. These disconcerted Mainers feel that Collins should hold a town hall-style meeting, which would enable them to voice their concerns and demand answers.

The Press Herald reported that after Collins walked past a crowd of protestors on February 22, she stated, “I’m sure you will also be doing other protests for all the other members of the delegation” – a reference, according to the newspaper, “to the fact that independent King, Democratic 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree and Republican 2nd District Rep. Bruce Poliquin have not faced similar protests.”

Duff offered his explanation as to why Collins, alone, is taking the brunt of constituents’ anger. “They’re not pressuring Angus King and Chellie Pingree because they are doing what they want and Susan Collins is not and that’s the simplest thing,” he said. “Bruce Poliquin, he’s doing what everyone expects him to do and represents the most conservative part of the state. Collins is a statewide rep, and this is a state that went for Clinton and for Obama, so every time she votes with Trump she is a little bit out of step with the state.”

Despite some people’s perceptions, Duff said that of all Senate Republicans, Collins is the least loyal to the new president. “She’s voted against Trump more than any other Republican in the Senate, but it’s still not enough for people,” he stated, adding, “But if you’re a critic of Trump, you get your hopes up, and she doesn’t always fulfill them.”

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