Collins campaign releases documents to counter pay-to-play accusations
Campaign manager Steve Abbott presented a 2017 university request for $5 million in Navy-related research funding and a February 2018 photo of Collins with former Navatek CEO Martin Kao. Abbott argues the evidence shows Collins secured the money without a prior donation, contrary to a report that alleged a quid-pro-quo. The release comes as the Maine Senate race tightens and Democrats amplify the corruption narrative.
On Tuesday, the re-election team of Sen. Susan Collins circulated a university letter from 2017 seeking $5 million for a Navy research partnership with Navatek, as well as a Senate-photographer image of Collins meeting former Navatek chief Martin Kao in February 2018. Campaign manager Steve Abbott contended that these items disprove the claim that Collins required a campaign contribution before the meeting. He highlighted that Kao’s first donation to Collins’ 2020 campaign occurred in June 2018, months after the documented encounter.
The controversy surrounds a broader investigation into alleged pay-to-play schemes, with Democrats using the story in the final stretch of the closely watched Maine Senate contest against Democrat Troy Jackson. Kao, now serving a prison sentence for money-laundering, had previously cooperated with investigators. National Democratic super PAC WinSenate has launched a multi-million-dollar ad push featuring one outlet allegations.
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Collins holds narrow lead over Jackson in latest Maine Senate poll
- Oct 6 The first debate between Collins and Jackson is scheduled for Oct. 6.
- Oct 7 The first debate was held, with both candidates trading barbs and no clear winner emerging.
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