On social media this morning, liberals generally praised Sen. Collins’ decision:
Collins–most senior female GOP in the Senate–did the decent, required thing by disowning Trump. Deserves respect/recognition. #mepolitics
— Maine Watch (@CollinsWatch) August 9, 2016
Although many wondered why she didn’t speak up sooner:
I'd have a lot more respect for Susan Collins if she had done the right thing before it became fashionable.
— Meredith (@missbumptious) August 9, 2016
Reaction from local conservatives was more subdued. The @Maine4Trump twitter account avoided the subject entirely, while a few conservatives attacked Sen. Collins:
She offers zero criticism of HRC wars in Libya & Syria, and threats to Russia; calls DT dangerous. Fraud #mepolitics https://t.co/jT2mpRfg5N
— J. Greene (@JG82ME) August 9, 2016
Trump’s own Twitter account didn’t mention Sen. Collins by name, but he did publish this early on Tuesday morning:
I am running against the Washington insiders, just like I did in the Republican Primaries. These are the people that have made U.S. a mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2016
Nationally, pundits considered the wider political ramifications of Collins’ announcement, and speculated about the person whom Collins would support for the presidency.
Susan Collins accentuates a clear trend: among GOP officials, women less likely to have endorsed Trump. As of June: pic.twitter.com/4Tl3KlHymI
— Taniel (@Taniel) August 9, 2016
Just interviewed @SenatorCollins for @NBCNightlyNews. Says she won't vote for Clinton; "taking a look" at Libertarian; may write-in someone.
— Hallie Jackson (@HallieJackson) August 9, 2016
And on the lighter side:
Trump right now https://t.co/mqCNNwa4kG pic.twitter.com/KfW5McvRGO
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) August 9, 2016
Logan Ratcliff, 20, hadn't heard Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) isn't supporting Trump. "The Hunger Games author?" pic.twitter.com/3hnMKo9zsi
— Cora Lewis (@cora) August 9, 2016
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