AUGUSTA, Maine - Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Shenna Bellows called a State House press conference today to highlight votes cast by her Republican opponent, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, on issues she says will hurt working Mainers.
Specifically, Bellows pointed to Collins' opposition to a $10.10 minimum wage and also the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that would provide that women receive equal pay for equal work. The Democratic candidate also took issue with Collins' vote on a bill that would ease the financial burden for veterans seeking additional education.
Bellows also criticized a Collins vote against campaign finance reform. "Instead of leading and instead of listening, Susan Collins has decided to follow Washington Republicans and vote against these measures that would help working families," Bellows said.
Lance Dutson, a spokesman for the Collins campaign, said Collins has supported minimum wage increases in the past but felt that $10.10 an hour would have a negative impact on job creation.
Dutson also said Bellows mischaracterized the Republican's position on veterans' issues. and that Collins opposed the Paycheck Fairness Act because it was a "bureaucratic monstrosity."