Politics
Collins and Sullivan face rivals in Maine and Alaska Senate debates
Susan Collins debated Troy Jackson in Maine and Dan Sullivan faced Mary Peltola in Alaska with Senate control still unsettled.
Senate candidates in Maine and Alaska met voters on the debate stage Thursday as control of the chamber hangs on a handful of contests less than three weeks from Election Day. In Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins faced Democrat Troy Jackson in their final scheduled debate. In Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faced Democrat Mary Peltola.
Both races are among the most closely watched of the cycle. Collins is seeking a sixth term in a state that has drifted toward Democrats in presidential years. Sullivan is defending a seat in Alaska after a high-profile visit by the president earlier this month.
Maine: experience versus change
Collins cast herself as an independent-minded veteran who can deliver for Maine on fisheries shipyards and health care. Jackson a former state Senate president argued that Collins has been too close to her party's leadership and has not done enough on costs and rural services.
The debate touched affordability abortion rights and Maine's aging workforce. Early voting is underway and both campaigns said Thursday's exchange was their last major televised faceoff before Nov. 3.
Alaska: cost of living and Washington
Sullivan and Peltola clashed over energy development fishing rights and the high cost of living in remote communities. Peltola the former House member from Alaska pressed Sullivan on whether he has delivered enough relief on prices. Sullivan pointed to defense spending and Arctic infrastructure he says protect Alaska jobs.
Alaska's unique ranked-choice voting system means second-choice preferences can decide the seat if no candidate clears a majority. Both campaigns are pouring money into turnout operations across the state's vast precincts.
A national map under pressure
Thursday also featured a Michigan gubernatorial debate between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican Rep. John James while other Senate races hold debates later this month. Party committees say Maine and Alaska remain toss-ups that could tip the Senate balance.
Voters in both states can cast ballots early. Campaigns plan a final blitz of ads town halls and get-out-the-vote drives before polls close on Nov. 3.
