Second Maine Senate debate takes testy turn: 3 takeaways

Reported by The Hill. The paragraphs below are the opening of that article, reproduced word for word — not a summary, and not the whole piece.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson squared off Thursday in the second Maine Senate debate of the week, sparring over the Iran war and high prices as their battleground race barrels toward Election Day.

The hourlong debate, hosted by WMTW, turned testy at times as the rivals defended their records and re-upped many of their night-one talking points about abortion, immigration and the economy. Collins stressed that she’s often at odds with her party, while Jackson highlighted her alignment with President Trump.

The stakes were high for both candidates to avoid on-stage gaffes and snag strong clips that could move the needle of the close race. Decision Desk HQ’s polling averages show Jackson, who became the party’s pick after their initial nominee withdrew this summer, leading the five-term incumbent by just over a point in the blue-leaning Pine Tree State.

Here are three takeaways from the latest debate, with two more showdowns scheduled later this month:

The rivals clashed over remarks on the Iran war and its economic impacts on Mainers struggling under high prices.

As the candidates debated how to address record-high heating oil prices , moderator Jon Chrisos pressed Collins over her Senate votes on Trump’s military moves in Iran.