Senator Susan Collins of Maine is a pragmatic, rational, New England Republican who represents her constituents. To the right wing of the GOP she is a RINO and a moderate, titles that are not derogatory to everyone, but to the Maine residents she is exactly who they want standing up for them.
This Bangor interview from Monday’s MSNBC is a good look at where Sen. Collins stands. Take a listen with an open mind.
In the world of politics, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has always been his own man. In today’s toxic political climate, he continues that path but his latest exchange showed he definitely belongs in the Backbone Club that consists of those not swayed by polls, bullied by fringe groups, or ruled by reelection fears.
Talking with the Charleston Gazette, Manchin was emphatic about standing up for what was important for West Virginians:
“I don’t give a s–t, you understand? I just don’t give a s–t,” he said. “Don’t care if I get elected, don’t care if I get defeated, how about that. If they think because I’m up for election, that I can be wrangled into voting for s–t that I don’t like and can’t explain, they’re all crazy.”
“I’m not scared of an election, let’s put it that way. Elections do not bother me or scare me. I’m going to continue to do the same thing I’ve always done, extremely independent.”
The Backbone Club is populated with other elected representatives who have taken a principled stand and not backed down: Sen. John McCain, Sen. Jeff Flake, Sen. Ben Sasse, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Barbara Comstock, and Gov. John Kasich. There may be others who deserve to be added to this list.
By Lynn R. Mitchell
It was announced on Tuesday that Senator Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), is endorsing Governor Jeb Bush. From the press release:
Manchester, New Hampshire — Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Mississippi, is backing Jeb Bush for president, the former Florida governor’s campaign is announcing Tuesday.
The endorsement marks Bush’s fourth Senate endorsement and 30th total from a member of Congress.
“Jeb Bush is the proven leader the American people need as we face grave threats from abroad and continued economic challenges at home. Jeb is a serious leader with executive experience and a forward-looking vision,” said Cochran, who’s now in his seventh term in the Senate.
Bush also has support from Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah, Dean Heller of Nevada, and Susan Collins of Maine.
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-10th) revealed Wednesday that her personal information had been compromised in the security hack, thought to be perpetrated by China, that affected the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
As noted by reporter Tal Kopan in Politico, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was also affected. Both had worked on the Hill before elected office.
Comstock, whose northern Virginia district includes a large number of federal employees, wrote a letter to the director of OPM that that all are justifiably alarmed. The White House, meanwhile, stood behind the OPM director amid calls for her removal.
Comstock’s letter:
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