Former West Virginia Independent and one-time Democratic Senator Joe Manchin is campaigning with Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins Wednesday.
News outlet Semafor reports Manchin is joining Collins in Androscoggin County as she tries to emphasize her bipartisan credentials.
Manchin said his trip is dedicated to “debunking” the idea that Collins has been an enabler for President Trump.
He further told Semafor he “can’t remember” a bipartisan effort Collins was not involved in and that he wants to make sure the people of Maine understand how her style of legislating benefits the state.
Collins’ Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, has tried to link Collins to Trump, who is unpopular in Maine, noting she’s voted with Trump 96 percent of the time.
Manchin’s visit comes a day before Jackson is scheduled to appear in Portland with high-profile progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
It’s not known specifically where Manchin will appear with Collins in Androscoggin County Wednesday.
She and Jackson are locked in a tight race, with the Maine contest drawing national attention as being pivotal in determining control of Congress.
Collins would become Maine’s longest serving Senator if she wins a sixth term in November.
