Maine AFL-CIO calls Susan Collins campaigning with Joe Manchin ‘insulting’

Joe Manchin, a former Democratic senator from West Virginia who became an independent before retiring, traveled to Maine on October 19-21 to campaign with Republican Senator Susan Collins. The visit was aimed at highlighting Collins' bipartisan efforts and her reputation for independence, which has been under attack by Democrats who argue she supports President Donald Trump too often.

Manchin praised Collins as a "true blue-blooded Maine person" who knows how to fight for the state's interests. He also warned that losing Collins would be “to lose the soul of the Senate.” However, Troy Jackson, the Democratic challenger, is campaigning with progressive allies like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

The Maine AFL-CIO President, Cynthia Phinney, criticized Collins for campaigning with Manchin, citing his work with Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm she claims has "killed hundreds of Maine jobs."

During a visit to a New Balance shoe factory in Norway, Maine, Manchin suggested that Collins should consider becoming an independent like he did. He runs the Independent Leadership Council, which aims to recruit more politicians outside major parties.

Collins is facing a tough reelection battle as Democrats emphasize her alignment with Trump's policies and highlight her bipartisan efforts to appeal to voters.