Susan Collins Campaign Manager Steve Abbott delivered an energetic and often pointed speech Saturday at the Maine GOP Unity Breakfast, praising Republican volunteers and candidates while directing some of his strongest criticism toward Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner.
Speaking to a room filled with Republican activists, elected officials, candidates, campaign staff, and supporters, Abbott repeatedly stressed the importance of party unity heading into the general election and encouraged Republicans to work together across campaigns.
Abbott began by thanking the Maine Republican Party for organizing the event and recognized the candidates who attended despite what he described as a long and demanding campaign season.
“I saw Owen, referencing Owen McCarthy, a candidate for governor and other gubernatorial candidates and I thought, here you are, your first Saturday off in a year, and they’re with us,” Abbott said. “That tells you everything you need to know about their character.”
He also thanked campaign staff members from across the state, noting the sacrifices many have made during the election cycle.
“These people work hard, and you’re here today too,” Abbott said.
The Collins campaign manager spent several minutes praising his own team, describing them as “the greatest team” and highlighting the dedication of staff members who have worked long hours throughout the campaign.
Abbott then turned to the Senate race itself, noting that the contest has drawn attention far beyond Maine’s borders.
“If you haven’t noticed, this race has drawn attention,” Abbott said, recounting a recent call from a friend in South Carolina who told him that Maine’s Senate race had become a leading political story there.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Abbott recalled thinking.
From there, Abbott shifted his focus to Collins, praising the six-term senator’s reputation and record.
“One thing I’m so proud of is Susan Collins, which is the dignity and the class that she brings to the office,” Abbott said.
The speech took a sharper turn when Abbott began discussing Platner, who won the Democratic nomination earlier this month.
“And now we have a campaign, and the guy we’re running against has a Nazi tattoo,” Abbott said. “I mean, how do you figure that?”
Abbott then delivered what became one of the most memorable lines of his speech.
“He’s got a tattoo that’s 18 years old,” Abbott said. “That tattoo’s old enough to vote.”
The comment drew laughter from the audience.
Abbott also criticized remarks Platner made during his primary election victory speech, particularly comments directed at Collins.
“I don’t know unless you were busy doing something else, but we unfortunately had the pleasure of watching that speech,” Abbott said. “He kept referring to Susan Collins as corrupt and spineless.”
Abbott pushed back on those characterizations.
“I’ll tell you, that’s not the person I’ve known,” he said.
Much of Abbott’s speech focused on challenging Platner’s public image and biography. He argued that national media outlets have portrayed Platner as a working-class Mainer while overlooking other aspects of his background.
“We’ve been introduced by The New York Times to this hard-scrabble man of Maine, the man who makes his living on the sea,” Abbott said.
Abbott then walked through what he described as Platner’s life story, discussing his education, military service, travels, college experience, and business ventures.
He noted that Platner attended the prestigious Otisfield School in Connecticut before later attending John Bapst Memorial High School. Abbott also referenced Platner’s military service and a period of travel in Europe before attending George Washington University.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Abbott repeatedly said as he recounted various parts of Platner’s background.
However, Abbott argued that those experiences conflict with the image Platner presents on the campaign trail.
“You can’t tell me you’re the voice for all the working-class guys,” Abbott said. “It’s a joke, right? It’s ridiculous.”
Abbott suggested that voters should look beyond campaign messaging and examine candidates’ records and backgrounds more closely.
He also mocked Platner’s complaints about criticism directed at him during the campaign.
“He keeps saying, ‘Why are they talking about me? I want to be talking about policy,’” Abbott said. “Oh my goodness. I cannot wait. Let’s talk about policy.”
Despite the extended criticism of his opponent, Abbott repeatedly returned to the broader theme of Republican unity.
He praised Republican activists throughout the state, recognized legislative candidates, and encouraged cooperation among campaigns as Republicans prepare for the November election.
“We are committed to working with all of you,” Abbott said.
Abbott highlighted the Collins campaign’s Portland headquarters and told attendees that the campaign intends to support Republican candidates up and down the ballot.
“We are here for you,” he said.
He also praised Maine Republican Party Chairman Jim Deyermond and said the party’s growing organizational efforts would help drive turnout in November.
Abbott concluded by expressing confidence in Republican candidates statewide and emphasizing that success would depend on a unified effort.
“We’re looking forward to working together with everybody,” Abbott said. “We’re going to do this together, and we’re going to be on to victory.”
