Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, criticized her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, over a debate moment when he told her to “shut up,” suggesting the remark reflected how he treats women. “I was struck by how reflexive the response, ‘Oh, shut up,’ was,” Ms. Collins, the longest-serving Republican woman in Senate history, told Fox News on Friday, adding that “the fact that it seemed like such an automatic, quick reply was very telling.” She said the exchange brought to mind what she described as the “reputation” that Mr. Jackson has among women. Mr. Jackson has defended his comment, and his campaign said Ms. Collins had run a campaign based on personal attacks.
Ms. Collins, a Republican running in a crucial race, called the debate remark by her opponent, Troy Jackson, “very telling.” Mr. Jackson has defended his comment, and his campaign said Ms. Collins had run a campaign based on personal attacks.
The exchange occurred during a debate in a closely watched Senate race. Collins framed the moment as evidence of Jackson's treatment of women, while his campaign dismissed her criticism as part of a pattern of personal attacks.
Both candidates are campaigning in a competitive general election contest for Maine's Senate seat.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing