Democratic party activist and former candidate for Maine Governor Betsy Sweet is seeking her party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat that is currently held by Republican Susan Collins. Sweet is first to enter a race that is likely to draw more Democrats and probably some Republicans as well.

“We need a representative in Washington that is on our side,” says Sweet. “I think Susan Collins at one time was that, but I think she has forgotten who she is and who she represents.”

Sweet says Collins is now more concerned with pleasing national Republican leaders, including President Trump. Sweet says Collins’ support for Trump judicial nominees, including Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, shows that she is out of touch with her constituents.

“We need someone who is more interested in helping the people of Maine than in pleasing their party leadership and taking money from big special interests,” says Sweet. “I feel, as I talk to people around the state, that we are ready for that change.”