ME-SEN: Bank lobbying group launches ad backing Collins reelection bid
The U.S. banking industrys largest lobbying group will run television advertisements supporting the reelection of Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), one of the most vulnerable incumbent Senate Republicans.
The American Bankers Association (ABA) on Thursday released an ad praising Collins as Americas most bipartisan senator, lauding her for her role in creating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the emergency loan program for small businesses passed through the March CARES Act.
The ABA will spend at least $100,000 to run the ads on Maine television stations in support of Collinss bid for a fifth Senate term.
Senator Collins has worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to provide Mainers with the support they need during this difficult time, said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. Her efforts helped pass bipartisan legislation to create the critically important Paycheck Protection Program to help struggling small businesses weather the pandemic.
Collins, one of the Senates most moderate Republicans, is facing a daunting bid for reelection against Democratic challenger and Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon. Collinss support among Mainers in both parties has steadily declined since President Trumps election, and a poll conducted by the Bangor Daily News earlier this month found Gideon with an 8-point lead over the incumbent.
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/514026-bank-lobbying-group-launches-ad-backing-collins-reelection-bid