$1,500 Heating Bills at Center of Maine Senate Race

I think it will be very top of mind. I mean, we we've had our reporter Greg Ryan out reporting in Maine, and he cannot go through a single conversation without somebody bringing up the cost of living. Now, obviously, this is a national issue that is dominating the midterms, but prices are particularly acute in Maine. And it is not just energy costs. I mean, that is a big deal in Maine, which relies on heating oil more than most places in the country. We've seen prices there skyrocket. But you are also seeing an acute housing crisis in Maine, which has had a huge influx of people over the past couple of years seeking that more laid back lifestyle, that coastal living environment in Maine. It has been a significant per capita increase in Maine, one of the biggest in the entire country, and that is playing out in the housing markets. So if you're in Maine right now, you're getting it on all ends, you're getting it on housing, you're getting it on energy, and you are really feeling that cost of living squeeze. And I think that's a main issue for for Mainers. Hey, Brooke, what's what's Graham Platner up to these days? I ask you because I has Troy Jackson erased him from Democrats memories? You know, I don't know that that memory has completely faded. Um, you talking about October surprises? We certainly had more than our fair share of spring and summer surprises in the Maine race. The truth? So this this contest has had no shortage of drama. But I do think that this cost of living question is becoming increasingly important. We've had all of this volatility. This is a very key race for both Democrats and Republicans. That's made it a subject of national attention. But I think these everyday cost of living issues are ultimately going to be what decides who wins this contest here. As Mainers think about what their life is going to look like over the next few years and who they believe will be able to bring down those costs. This, of course, is the biggest story in politics. When the Democratic candidate swaps after the Gramm Plattner implosion. Everyone knows Susan Collins in Maine. Has Troy Jackson had the time and the strategy to connect with people in a way that Graham Platner was able to? It's certainly been a compressed timeline for Troy Jackson. Now, remember, he was running for governor. That is not a primary that he won, but he was out there campaigning. He was the Maine Senate president. Um, and, you know, is well known, certainly in the labor communities where he's really been a champion. But you have seen in recent polling, um, some, you know, rather worrying numbers for Democrats in terms of his, uh, how recognizable he is, how many people in Maine actually know who Troy Jackson is. And so he does have probably some work to do on that front. And tonight's debate may be, you know, an important moment for him to really get his face out there and talk to Maine people and voters, people who might not be familiar with him so far.