BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 31, 2026
A top Senate Democrat whom U.S. Sen. Susan Collins accused this week of blocking a lobstering bill told Maine fishermen in Ellsworth on Saturday that she would help move it. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, held the closed-door meeting with former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, the Democrat challenging Collins in Tuesday’s election. The bill, championed by outgoing U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, (D-ME) would extend a pause on federal rules meant to protect endangered whales from 2028 through 2035. Environmental groups oppose the extension, noting the right whale population is estimated at roughly 380.