Collins Urges Removal of Ad Attacking Jackson Over Family Ties

A Senate Leadership Fund super PAC ad attacking Democratic candidate Troy Jackson over his relationship with his second cousin has drawn criticism in Maine’s Senate race, including from Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who says she had no role in it and wants it taken off the air. The country-style radio spot uses degrading language about Jackson and his family; other Republican-funded ads have also targeted his family. Jackson’s partner, Lana Pelletier, said the attacks mocked their relationship and dragged their children into the campaign, while Jackson’s campaign called on Collins to apologize, citing her earlier public remarks about the relationship. Collins has described the race as marked by an unusual number of personal attacks, and women who worked with Jackson in the Maine Legislature defended his record and criticized the ads.