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JanusIanitos's avatar

Do we want him to run against Collins in 2026?

He'd be a pain in the ass in the senate. He also would give us our best shot at taking her out, which would absolutely be worth him being difficult with us. I always prefer a "difficult" democratic senator than any republican; if the choice were that binary it would be simple.

On the other hand, he might be the only person still able to compete for that house seat, while there are people besides Golden that could make strong runs for that senate seat.

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Mike in MD's avatar

I doubt Golden challenges Collins for personal as well as political reasons: she first brought him into government by hiring him to the staff of the Homeland Security Committee.

That aside, while he'd likely be a strong statewide candidate provided he can make it through the primary (which may require two or more liberal candidates splitting the vote), I'd prefer it if he stays where he is. While he's not the only Dem who can hold that seat--particularly if the next couple of elections prove to be blue waves or close to it--he sure makes it easier, and he's certainly not the only one capable of winning statewide, at least in an open seat race (not sure if anyone can defeat Collins unless a right wing third party candidate siphons off a significant share of her vote, and even then RCV might save her). It isn't just him or a stereotypical "Portland liberal" (as if that's a bad thing?)

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Toiler On the Sea's avatar

Completely agree. I think we have like a 40/60 shot at best of holding that seat if he left. Best for him and for us if he just stays put.

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ArcticStones's avatar

Yes, Jared Golden is a good fit for ME-02. Theriault was probably as good a candidate as the GOP could muster, and this was a challenging election for Dems. Very good that Golden survived, if by the skin of his teeth.

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Gina Mann's avatar

Troy Jackson is our best bet from Northern Maine as Golden has apparently said he won't run against Collins.

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Paleo's avatar

I hope Jackson finally goes for it.

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ArcticStones's avatar

No. Far better for Democrats to choose someone in the mold of Angus King to run against Susan Collins. Even if he could win statewide, which is unlikely, Jared Golden would quickly become another Manchin-like senator. We can do better, but Collins will be difficult to unseat.

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Paleo's avatar

He’s not as bad as Manchin. But Troy Jackson would be better.

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Wolfpack Dem's avatar

Better, and less risky for the House seat. Plus, I don't think we can have someone in the race who won't take the gloves off against Collins.

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sacman701's avatar

Golden would vote more like Angus King than like Manchin. If he voted like Manchin, he'd get primaried and any replacement level Dem would be favored to win the general.

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