Maine Gov. Paul LePage cast doubt on whether Republican Sen. Susan Collins could win a GOP gubernatorial primary during a radio interview with WGAN Thursday.
“I will say this right away, I do firmly believe deep down in my heart that Susan Collins, in order to become the governor of the state of Maine, will have to run as an independent, and she’s highly unlikely to win a Republican primary,” LePage said, according to Politico, adding she would likely win the election if she secures the nomination.
Collins is expected to announce her decision on whether she will run for governor by the end of September, The Hill reports.
“I had scores of people saying we really need you in the Senate, your voice is important for Maine and nationally,” she told WCSH. “On the other hand, I have people come up to me every day saying we need strong leadership in Augusta, someone who can work with Democrats and Republicans.” Collins won her last election in 2014, meaning her seat in the upper chamber is secure until 2020.
LePage has previously accused the center-right senator of failing to understand the implications of expanding Medicaid in her state.
Collins is one of the three Senate Republicans who opted not to vote for the motion to proceed on the Obamacare skinny repeal bill.
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