Sen. Susan Collins: Will She Stay Or Will She Go? The Torn Moderate Republican Plans Her Future

Sen. Susan Collins said her committee work and seniority “really matter” — but she is tantalized by the opportunity to help the less prosperous parts of Maine as governor. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

Will she stay or will she go? Maine Senator Susan Collins admits to being very torn over her pending decision to remain as the moderate Republican Senator or run for governor. North Dakota Democrat Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is begging her not to do it. Leave the Senate that is. 

Collins admitted to Politico that the buzz about her prolonged indecision is "accurate". After hoping to finalize her decision by the end of September, Collins is not shooting for a mid-October deadline. 

“Given the contentious environment in Washington right now, my voice and vote matter a great deal,” Collins said. Her role in derailing attempts to end Obamacare are evidence of her power. “On the other hand, if I were fortunate enough to be elected governor, I could work more directly on job creation.”

Maine's other senator Independent Angus King is begging Collins to stay in the Senate. So are moderate Democrats. If Democratic voters are smart, they should be begging Collins to stay as well.