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Cohen Says Collins Will Not Be Affected By Her Position On Impeachment Inquiry

Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen says Sen. Susan Collins' reelection chances will not be affected by her position on impeaching the president, as long as she explains her decision to voters.

Cohen, speaking alongside former Secretary of State John Kerry at the University of Maine Tuesday, has said unequivocally that President Trump has committed impeachable offenses and compared his conduct to that of a dictator.

But Cohen also says Trump maintains a loyal base of supporters and Collins has to navigate a very different political landscape.

"I think it's going to be her decision. I can't make it for her," he says. "It's easier for me to say what I think. I don't have to account for it. She will."

Cohen's remarks about impeachment and Trump have recently made national news.

As a freshman Republican Congressman in 1974, Cohen supported impeaching President Richard Nixon, a decision he once thought would cost him electorally. Nixon eventually resigned and Cohen would go on to hire Collins as a staffer in 1975.

Journalist Steve Mistler is Maine Public’s chief politics and government correspondent. He is based at the State House.