Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 25
Susan Collins Builds $60 Million Maine Ad Edge as Democrats Reboot Senate Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 25

Susan Collins Builds $60 Million Maine Ad Edge as Democrats Reboot Senate Race

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 25

Summary

  • $60 million in fall airtime has already been reserved in Maine by Collins, her allies and GOP-linked groups, versus about $24 million booked by Senate Democrats' main super PAC and affiliates.
  • That gap widened after Democratic candidate Graham Platner withdrew this month, leaving expected replacement Troy Jackson just over four months to mount a statewide challenge.
  • Collins is leaning on a network of outside groups backed largely by billionaire donors, setting up what Democrats describe as an uneven fight in a race that could help decide Senate control.
  • The spending imbalance points to an asymmetrical general-election battle in Maine, where Democrats may add more money but are not expected to match Republican outside spending.

Insights

What alternative strategies can late-entry candidates use to overcome severe financial and organizational deficits?