'Oh, shut up!': Democrat snaps at Collins after heckler drives Maine Senate debate off the rails

By Fox News · Fox News

A protester interrupted the final debate between Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in Maine, triggering a heated exchange after Collins suggested the demonstrator was a Jackson supporter. The interruption came amid a debate that saw the candidates trade fire over numerous issues. The race between Jackson and Collins, who is seeking a sixth term representing the blue-leaning Northern New England state, is a top flip opportunity for Democrats as they try to win back the Senate majority from Republicans in the midterm elections. The latest public opinion polls indicate a race within the margin of error between Collins and Jackson, a one-time logger and former state Senate president. The latest Fox News Power Rankings rates the race as a toss-up, as do leading nonpartisan political handicappers the Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball. DEMS SEE NEW CHANCES TO FLIP SENATE SEATS BUT GOP'S MASSIVE CASH ADVANTAGE AN OBSTACLE The protester, who interrupted Collins as she spoke, yelled out, "I'm terrified. AI data centers are destroying our climate. They are poisoning our water." As security escorted the protester out of the debate hall, Collins suggested the man was a Jackson supporter. "So this is obviously one of Troy's supporters," Collins said. Jackson quickly fired back: "Oh, shut up, I did not — I didn't, I don't even know who that kid." Another heated moment came a few minutes later, when each candidate was able to ask a question of the other. Jackson, who grew up in rural northern Maine in the same county as Collins, asked, "What I'm curious about — is it just me that you look down on, or is it working class people overall?" DEMOCRATS THINK A BLUE WAVE IS BUILDING - HERE ARE THREE FACTORS THAT COULD STOP IT The senator shot back, "Troy, I do not look down on you or on anyone. I grew up in Caribou. My first job was picking potatoes." As he works to oust Collins from the Senate, Jackson has repeatedly tr…