Collins on possible Susan Rice challenge: ‘Everybody knows’ she doesn’t live in Maine

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Sunday dismissed a possible challenge from Susan Rice, saying that “everybody knows” the former national security adviser doesn’t live in Maine.

“As far as Susan Rice is concerned, her family has a home in Maine, but she doesn’t live in the state of Maine. Everybody knows that,” Collins said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

{mosads}Rice on Friday tweeted “me” in response to a tweet from former White House communications director Jen Psaki asking, “who wants to run for Senate in Maine?” after Collins voted to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Rice later clarified that she was “not making any announcements” about challenging Collins.

“Many thanks for the encouragement. I’m not making any announcements. Like so many Americans, I am deeply disappointed in Senator Collins’ vote for Kavanaugh. Maine and America deserve better,” Rice tweeted Friday.

Collins also said during the interview Sunday that she had to do “what I think is right” when asked if she was worried about political consequences following her vote on Kavanaugh.

“I have to do what I think is right. Over the years, the people of Maine have trusted me to exercise my best judgment. That’s what I did in the case,” Collins said.

“Whatever the voters that decide, but I’m going to do what I think is right. That’s what I owe my constituents,” she added.

Collins was a key swing vote in the confirmation of Kavanaugh, who was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice late Saturday after a contentious confirmation process and 50-48 Senate vote.