Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson tells Sen. Susan Collins to "shut up" during final debate
Just the facts

Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson tells Sen. Susan Collins to "shut up" during final debate

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Summary

During the fourth and final debate in the Maine U.S. Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson interrupted incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins with the remark "shut up" after a protest interruption.

In the closing debate of the tightly contested Maine U.S. Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson told incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins to "shut up" after an off-camera protest disrupted Collins's response. Jackson replied, "I don’t even know that kid," when Collins identified the interrupter as one of his supporters. The exchange added to a series of personal attacks that have marked the campaign, which is among the most expensive and closely watched Senate contests this year.

The incident was reported by the Washington Post, which noted that Jackson's temperament has been a point of discussion among Democratic lawmakers during his six years leading the Maine Senate. Both candidates have previously criticized each other on policy and personal grounds throughout the debate series.

"So, this is obviously one of Troy’s supporters," Collins said after the interruption.

The debate concluded without further incidents, leaving the race still undecided as voters prepare to head to the polls.

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