Fox News Poll: Jackson Leads Collins As Majority Say She Votes With Trump Too Often

PORTLAND, ME — Fifth-generation logger, former Maine Senate President, and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Troy Jackson is leading five-term incumbent Susan Collins by two points in a new Fox News poll of Maine voters — the latest survey to show Jackson ahead in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races.

The poll, conducted August 6 – 10 among 1,000 registered voters, finds Jackson leading Collins 48% to 46%.

The survey also shows significant concern about Collins’ support for President Donald Trump’s agenda. Fifty-five percent of Maine voters say they are very or extremely concerned that Collins votes with Trump too often, including majorities of independents, moderates, and rural voters. Trump has a net favorability rating of -20 points in the state.

Portland Press Herald: Maine voters say Susan Collins votes with Trump too often in Fox News poll

• … the poll contains good news for Jackson. A majority of voters surveyed said they’re concerned about Collins’ voting record in support of President Donald Trump’s agenda. And Democrats are more enthusiastic about the midterms than Republicans

• The Fox survey found that 55% of voters said they were concerned that Collins votes too often with Trump, who had a -20 point net favorability rating in the Pine Tree State. That concern was shared among self-described independents (52%), moderates (56%) and voters in rural areas (51%.) Independents make up nearly a third of the Maine’s electorate.

• Collins has voted with Trump some 95% of the time — one of the lowest rates among Republican senators.

• … for now, voters are viewing Jackson more favorably than Collins.

Newsweek: New Maine Senate Poll Shows Susan Collins Slipping as Midterms Loom

• Maine voters appear to be paying close attention to her ties to the president. The poll shows that 55 percent are extremely or very concerned that Collins votes too often with Trump.

  
  

• A fifth-generation logger from northern Maine and former president of the Maine Senate, Jackson has attempted to emphasize his working-class roots and experience representing rural communities. His background could help him appeal to voters who may not normally support a Democratic Senate candidate, particularly in northern and rural parts of the state.

  
  

• Jackson's early advantage is notable given the unusual circumstances surrounding his entry into the race, but the close margins suggest the contest remains wide open.

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