Senator Susan Collins of Maine faces mounting criticism following her objection to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ decision to exclude former President Donald Trump from the 2024 election ballot. Collins argued that Maine voters, not the Secretary of State appointed by the Legislature, should determine the election outcome. This move prompted swift backlash, with critics highlighting Collins’ prior condemnations of Trump’s involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Bellows, after a thorough investigation, cited the 14th Amendment in declaring Trump ineligible due to his alleged role in the insurrection. Collins voiced concerns about denying thousands of Mainers the chance to vote for their favored candidate, drawing criticism for what some perceive as inconsistency in her approach to significant controversies.
Critics pointed to Collins’ past statements acknowledging Trump’s dissemination of false election claims that contributed to discontent and the Capitol storming. Commentators, including political analyst Keith Olbermann, raised questions about allowing individuals with contentious actions to run for office. References were made to Collins’ previous defense of Trump during his first impeachment, where she suggested he had “learned his lesson,” a stance disproven by subsequent events.
Dianne Callahan stressed the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and questioned Collins’ deviation from the principles set by the founding fathers.
The Fact Checker revisited Collins’ prior misjudgments, including her belief that Trump would learn from his initial impeachment, only for him to face further impeachment and multiple felony charges. Critics argued that Collins’ history of misjudgments, such as her stance on Kavanaugh and Trump, undermines her credibility in commenting on others’ decisions.
Jeff Timmer from The Lincoln Project expressed skepticism and disappointment at Collins’ recent stance. Social media responses ranged from questioning her character to criticizing her judgment on past issues.
The controversy surrounding Collins’ objection to Trump’s exclusion from the 2024 election ballot has triggered a reevaluation of her past statements and actions. Critics suggest that Collins may bear some responsibility for the current situation, leading to doubts about her suitability to opine on electoral matters.
This controversy expands beyond social media criticism, with political observers noting that Collins’ objection underscores ongoing divisions within the Republican Party. Her stance is seen as part of a broader struggle between factions seeking to distance themselves from Trump’s influence and those hesitant to sever ties. This internal disagreement adds complexity to post-Trump Republican politics, with Collins emerging as a central figure in this evolving narrative.