GOP PAC Runs Maine Ads in Wrong Portland

A Republican super PAC supporting Sen. Susan Collins’s reelection campaign spent about $25,000 on digital attack ads against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson that mistakenly ran in Portland, Oregon, rather than Portland, Maine. The ads criticized Jackson’s tax record and cost-of-living policies. They ran for four days in October and were viewed more than a million times, including in Oregon and Washington. Media buyer Cross Screen Media accepted responsibility and refunded the full amount. The ads were stopped and redirected to Maine. The error drew ridicule online and criticism from Collins allies. Jackson’s campaign said the mistake showed the PAC was out of touch with Maine voters. The mix-up came as Collins and Jackson competed in a closely watched Senate race.