By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“We routinely thank people for contributions. … We try to thank everybody.” - Steve Abbott, Susan Collins’ campaign manager, responding to reports the senator had wanted to thank Martin Kao, the former Navatek CEO who made a $150,000 donation to her super PAC through a shell company.
Sen. Susan Collins speaks with reporters at P&K Sand and Gravel in Naples on Sept. 10, 2026. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
As U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has repeatedly defied odds to hold onto her seat by touting her ability to bring in federal money to Maine, Democrats have tried to target that defense by leveling corruption accusations, so far to no avail.
Now, they see new reporting alleging the incumbent Republican’s involvement in a pay-for-play scheme as a turning point that could upend the nationally relevant race six weeks out from the election.
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
The implementation of Maine’s recently passed gun safety laws — a red flag referendum voters overwhelmingly approved and a 72-hour waiting period facing a legal challenge — would greatly differ depending on who the next governor is.
LABOR
By Kaitlyn Budion
Roughly 80 people rallied across the street from Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston on Friday to support the facility’s newly unionized nurses and call on the hospital to reinstate nurses that were fired and suspended.
OTHER TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Angus King endorses Hannah Pingree for governor | Eesha Pendharkar
With Christie by his side, Bobby Charles distances himself from Trump | Eesha Pendharkar
The FBI anti-corruption squad was circling Susan Collins — until Trump got in the way | William Turton, Avi Asher Schapiro, Molly Redden and Kirsten Berg, ProPublica
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