Manchin Campaigns With Collins, Endorses Reelection Bid

Republican Sen. Susan Collins, seeking a sixth term in what may be her toughest reelection race, campaigned in Maine with former Sen. Joe Manchin, who endorsed her and praised her bipartisan record and independence. They highlighted their work together on infrastructure legislation, Electoral Count Act reforms and other bipartisan efforts; Manchin rejected portrayals of Collins as simply a supporter of President Donald Trump. Democrats cite voting analyses showing Collins sides with Trump at least 90% of the time, though she has opposed some of his priorities, including his tax cuts and the 2017 effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, is emphasizing opposition to Trump and is set to campaign with progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The race is unfolding amid unfavorable national conditions for Republicans and voter calls for change in Washington.