Maine Democrats Question Troy Jackson's Electability After June Primary Win Over 1 Rival
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 20
Maine Democrats Question Troy Jackson's Electability After June Primary Win Over 1 Rival
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 20
Summary
Dozens of Maine Democrats interviewed over the weekend said Troy Jackson’s biggest general-election risk against Susan Collins is not his platform but his gruff, halting campaign style and lack of charisma.
Jackson is trying to broaden his coalition after his dominant June primary victory, telling supporters in Sanford that voters who backed another candidate still have “a place” in the movement.
Former backers of ex-nominee Platner remain a key target, but some are frustrated by how Jackson’s allies organized replacement slates in a process one voter called “rigging” before it began.
Supporters argue that same rough-edged style could help him with Maine voters, casting the 45-year-old former supporter’s “regular guy” description as an asset rather than a liability.
The debate underscores Democrats’ central challenge in Maine: uniting Platner’s voters while deciding whether Jackson’s everyman appeal can overcome concerns about his ability to energize enough voters to beat Collins.