Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) refused to even say Vice President JD Vance's name as she announced she would not join his campaign stop in Maine on Monday.
The move comes as Collins trails former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee, in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate, according to recent polling. Vance spoke at Compotech, a defense contractor in Brewer, without her.
At a weekend parade, a reporter put the question directly to Collins.
"Monday, the vice president is visiting Brewer to go to Compotech," the reporter said. "I'm curious. Will we see you there, and what are your thoughts on the vice president coming to Maine?"
In response, Collins never said Vance's name but referred to Energy Secretary Doug Wright twice.
"I always welcome anyone coming to the state of Maine," Collins replied. "Just recently, I was with the secretary of Energy in Lincoln, Maine, where we celebrated this new battery technology that is cutting edge and will help the resilience of the electric grid in New England. I am already scheduled on Monday, so I will not be able to join the vice president. But I really appreciated Secretary Wright's presence."
Collins campaign spokesperson Shawn Roderick confirmed Monday that Collins would not attend, saying she has a "great working relationship" with Vance but a "personal schedule" that would keep her away, the outlet reported.
According to the Portland Press Herald, GOP gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles is also skipping the event, though former Maine Gov. Paul LePage is expected to attend.
American Bridge, a Democratic-aligned political action committee, argued Collins is dodging Vance in person while pointing to their prior dealings, the Bangor Daily News reported.
Those dealings include a dinner with Vance before Collins voted to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.
"Sometimes I get frustrated with Susan Collins," Vance said at a Bangor rally in May, adding that he almost wished she were "more partisan" — before endorsing her reelection bid.
On Saturday, Collins also broke with the administration over its decision to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, her office said, calling on both countries to return to negotiations.
"The Administration must consider the negative impact tariffs would have on Maine businesses, communities, and families and work to reach a fair agreement with our Canadian neighbors," Collins wrote.
The latest Fox News poll shows Jackson leading Collins 48% to 46%, within the margin of error, in a race that could determine Senate control.
