Susan Collins

“I had a very long discussion with Justice Gorsuch in my office, and he pointed out to me that he is a co-author of a whole book on precedent. So, someone who devotes that much time to writing a book on precedent, I think, understands how important a principle that is in our judicial system.”

“I want to help the middle class.”

“These are challenging times at home and around the world. We will have to work together in a bipartisan spirit and with our international partners if we are going to achieve progress and peace now and for future generations.”

“Predictions of a disappearing political center are a warning of a bleak future that we can avoid only by adhering to our nation's founding principles.”

“It is important that we enact immigration reform.”

“In light of the attacks on mass transit systems in other countries, shouldn't we be beefing up?... Clearly more could be done.”

“There aren't that many fields where you can really affect people's lives.”

“The Medicaid program has been on the books for more than 50 years. The Graham-Cassidy bill proposes a dramatic, sweeping change in the way that program would be allocated and administered. And a program which does need reform, but we need careful reform. And I don't think this bill does that.”

“I have never endorsed Roy Moore. Just the fact that he was forced off the state supreme court is enough for me.”

“What I find is with all due deference to - deference to our male colleagues, that women's styles tend to be more collaborative.”

“I am a congenital optimist.”

“We need a massive investment in infrastructure in this country.”

“I know that my voice and my vote matter and that I can help shape the outcome of events that I care deeply about.”

“Donald Trump, in my judgment, would make a perilous world even more dangerous. I worry that his tendency to lash out and his ill-informed comments would cause dangerous events to escalate and possibly spin out of control at a time when our world is beset with conflicts.”

“It's always hard not to be a member of the team. There's lots of pressure to do that.”

“I always look for judges who respect precedent.”

“My conclusion about Mr. Trump's unsuitability for office is based on his disregard for the precept of treating others with respect, an idea that should transcend politics. Instead, he opts to mock the vulnerable and inflame prejudices by attacking ethnic and religious minorities.”

“I concluded that Donald Trump lacked the temperament, the judgment and the self-discipline to heal the divisions in our country - which are very real - and to be commander in chief.”

“I will not be voting for Donald Trump for president. This is not a decision I make lightly, for I am a lifelong Republican. But Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing the divisions in our country.”

“I've seen the impact of poorly negotiated trade agreements on manufacturing in Maine.”