Susan Collins Is Always Keeping Score
By Emma Carter
Image information
This is a representative image for this Daily News lesson.
Intro
Susan Collins has directed millions of dollars to communities throughout Maine. At the same time, people there say it is wise to avoid becoming her opponent.
Vocabulary
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| delivered verb | verb | Meaning: gave or brought something to a person or place | Example: The company delivered new computers to the school. |
| influence noun | noun | Meaning: the power to affect people or events | Example: Her advice had a strong influence on my decision. |
| disagreements noun | noun | Meaning: situations in which people have different opinions | Example: The two groups had disagreements about the plan. |
| displeasure noun | noun | Meaning: an unhappy or angry feeling about something | Example: The manager showed his displeasure with the late report. |
| expectations noun | noun | Meaning: beliefs about what should happen or how someone should act | Example: Clear expectations helped the team work together. |
The story
Susan Collins, a long-serving senator, has delivered millions of dollars to communities across Maine. The support has reached every corner of the state, making her an important figure in many local areas.
But Collins’s influence is not described only in terms of money. In Maine, people say it is best to avoid getting on her bad side. That suggests that many people pay close attention to her relationships and opinions, especially when political disagreements arise.
The result is a public image with two parts. Collins is connected with financial support for communities throughout the state. At the same time, people see her as someone whose displeasure may have lasting political importance.
A long-serving senator often becomes familiar to local leaders and residents. Over time, that person can build strong connections across a state. Those connections may shape how communities respond to the senator and how carefully people choose their words.
In Collins’s case, the combination of statewide support and a reputation for remembering conflicts has made her a powerful presence in Maine. Her story shows how a politician’s influence can come not only from official decisions, but also from personal relationships and public expectations.
The senator’s role, as described in the report, is therefore both practical and personal: she has helped bring millions of dollars to communities, while people continue to consider the possible cost of crossing her.
Warm-up questions
- What kinds of support can a politician give to local communities?
- Why might people be careful when speaking to a powerful person?
Comprehension questions
- What has Susan Collins delivered to communities across Maine?
- Why do many people pay close attention to Collins’s relationships and opinions?
- What are the two parts of Collins’s public image?
- How can a long-serving senator’s connections affect communities?
- What does Collins’s story show about political influence?
Opinion questions
- Do you think financial support or personal relationships create more political influence? Why?
- Would you be careful with your words around a powerful local politician? Why or why not?
Further discussion
- How can local communities benefit from strong connections with a senator?
- What problems can happen when people fear crossing a political leader?
Writing prompt
- Write a short paragraph explaining the two sides of Susan Collins’s public role.
