Activists raise $ 1 million to pressure Senator Collins to vote against Kavanaugh, report says

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, meets with Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his office prior to a private meeting in Capitol Hill, Washington on August 21, 2018.

(Associated Press)

A crowdfunding campaign raised more than $ 1 million from Senator Susan Collins' opponent, R-Maine, if she votes to confirm Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, a move she likened to Corruption.

Liberal activist groups posted the campaign on the Crowdpac platform, drawing supporters and critics.

"Senator Collins votes NO on Kavanaugh and you will not be charged, and no money will be used to fund his future opponent," the platform wrote. "Senator Collins votes yes on Kavanaugh and your commitment will go to his opponent's campaign, once that opponent has been identified."

According to the Washington Post, Collins has described this attempt to extort an answer from a spokesperson.

"And anyone who thinks that these tactics would work on Senator Collins obviously does not know her," spokeswoman Annie Clark said in a statement. "Senator Collins will decide on the merits of the appointment. Threats or other attempts to intimidate will not play a role in his decision making. "

An ethics expert told The Post that "it could very well violate federal laws on corruption."

But Jordan Libowitz, a spokesman for Citizens for Ethics and Responsibilities, told the Post that he did not live up to corruption, "because there is no deal".

"Money and politics tend to work today," he said.

Meanwhile, supporter Julie B approved the campaign, saying "women will come together to protect our rights and what is right".

"The people of Maine are asking you to be a hero, Senator Collins," wrote the campaign. "… to defend the people of Maine and for Americans across the country, every dollar donated to this campaign will go to your possible Democratic opponent by 2020. We will remove you from our office."