Susan Collins proposes 16 debates against the challenging Gideon

Senator Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsSara Gideon wins the Democratic race to challenge Susan Collins The Hill Campaign Report: Key races take shape in Alabama, Texas, Maine The Republican leader of the Illinois House will not attend the Republican convention in Florida: ” It will not be a safe environment “MORE (R-Maine) challenged Sara Gideon, her Democratic opponent, to a series of 16 debates, setting out an ambitious plan in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate elections.

Collins sent Gideon, the speaker of the Maine State House of Representatives, a letter congratulating her on her victory in the Democratic primary on Tuesday and suggesting they have their first debate on Wednesday night.

“I want to congratulate you on becoming the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate and welcome you to the campaign. Earlier today, your campaign spokesman distributed a press release asking for five debates, ”wrote Collins.

“While I share the sentiment outlined in your press release that Mainers deserve a chance to compare us directly before they decide how they will vote, I think five debates is too limited a schedule for such an important career,” he continued. To that end, I propose that we have 16 live, televised, and in-person discussions, one in each of Maine’s counties. Let’s have the first one tonight.

If the challenge is accepted, a dizzying debate schedule would be established between mid-July and the November 3 general election, which Democrats see as a great opportunity as they try to take the Senate majority.

Collins’ letter came hours after Gideon proposed to hold five debates to give Mainers a chance to see the “contrast” between her and the incumbent.

While Sara has traveled the state with ‘Dinners with Sara’ and round tables to answer questions from Mainers whose support she has worked to win, Senator Collins continues to avoid difficult questions about her record of support for Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpIvanka Trump launches Goya Foods products on Twitter Sessions defends the challenge: “I leave the elected office with my integrity intact” Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson wins the second round of Texas MORE and special interests, “said Maeve Coyle, Gideon’s communications director, Tuesday morning.

Gideon said she was “pleased” that the two campaigns are deciding on a discussion schedule, noting that the schedule proposed by Collins would include several more discussions than the five that she has typically conducted in previous cycles.

“I am eager to share the stage with Senator Collins, which is why we were the first to propose debates this morning at the start of the general election,” Gideon said in a statement to The Hill. “Over the past year, I’ve traveled across the state to hold open forums and answer questions from Mainers in all 16 counties, something the Collins Senate has not done since it was elected 24 years ago.

“It is important that Mainers have the opportunity to hear our different views on how the Maine senator should be working for the people of Maine,” he added, “and I am pleased that we have begun the process of scheduling debates.”

Gideon’s victory in Tuesday’s primaries delivered the nomination for the Democratic Party’s preferred candidate in a race.

Democrats are eager to hit Collins over his votes for the Republican Party tax plan and his controversial decision to confirm to the Supreme Court. Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughSara Gideon wins Democrat race to challenge Susan Collins Campaign report from The Hill: Key races take shape in Alabama, Texas, Maine 5 key races to see Tuesday MORE And he is confident that Gideon, who has proven himself to be a strong fundraiser, will give him a difficult challenge. However, the four-term lawmaker is by no means lazy, working hard to polish a reputation as an independent-minded Republican, and retaining high recognition of her name in the state, a possible obstacle to attempts to label her.