Collins skirts Jackson family scandal, draws praise from conservatives

In a recent interview, Sen. Susan Collins was queried about whether she would highlight that Troy Jackson’s two children were born to his second cousin. She replied that she would not bring it up, only to be reminded by the reporter that the issue had just been mentioned. The brief exchange quickly circulated on social media, where Republican strategist Jesse Hunt called Collins a “silent killer” and other GOP voices praised her as a cold-blooded political combatant.

The controversy stems from a July report revealing Jackson and his partner share great-grandparents, as well as a 1988 police report alleging he assaulted a man and was accused of pushing his partner, claims he partially admits. Collins has previously criticized the Democrats for poor vetting, citing the Graham Platton episode, and says the focus should remain on policy rather than personal attacks. Jackson’s campaign has dismissed the GOP’s emphasis on his family as a distraction from substantive issues.