Jay Field
@unorganizedterritory.org
Former award-wining public radio reporter. Founder of Unorganized Territory and Frost Heaves on Substack. Maine is my forever home.
The eyes of the politically obsessed are on Michigan today, where Democratic primary voters are casting ballots in the state’s open U.S. Senate race. Does the result of this race matter here in Maine? You bet, especially for Team Collins.
Troy Jackson has been giving voice to unpleasant truths for decades. Yes, he doesn’t have Graham Platner’s charisma. And guess what? It’s not going to matter. What Jackson lacks in cigarette-tinged, gravelly, eloquence he makes up for with relatable life experiences that are authentically Maine.
The Aroostook County Cage Match
What each side must do to prevail.
open.substack.com
My old friend @tamarakeithnpr.bsky.social came all the way to Belfast, Maine last week to report on the aftermath of Graham Platner's withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race. It's was awesome to give her a hug and share a quick bite after her work was done!
NPR@npr.org · 3w agoGraham Platner generated enthusiasm in Maine with his progressive policies. Now he's out of the race, and his supporters have to decide what's next, as Maine Democrats prepare to choose a nominee. n.pr/3T26dj9
Good deep dive from the PH on Collins’s tenure as chair of Appropriations, during an administration with little regard for Congress’s “power of the purse” enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Susan Collins wrestles with Trump on spending power amid tough reelection
The Maine senator is campaigning on her role as Appropriations chair and faces renewed criticism from some constituents for funding ICE.
pressherald.com
Platner, however flawed, caught lightning in a bottle. There was an electricity between the man and his supporters. Those now fighting to replace Platner must open a direct dialogue with his supporters. Praise the energy and engagement he ignited in them. Tell them you need their help to win.
And In This Corner
Takeaways from the first post-Platner debate.
open.substack.com
Joanne Mason, a Democrat engaged in politics at the county level, speaks to the wariness many Mainers have about outside forces trying to influence how they vote. How will the story Maine voters ultimately write about the 2026 election compare to all the polling and predictions from away?
Reposting this now in tribute to what was 60 Minutes: the most indispensable news magazine program in history of television. The "quid pro quo" that brought unqualified managers to CBS News and the decimation of 60 is an assault on the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. tinyurl.com/mwv3mn4b
“Watching the pairing of the Trump and Sasse interviews back-to-back was riveting television at a time of deep division in America.” open.substack.com/pub/jayfield... #60Minutes #USPolitics #Substack #Newsletter
