Susan Collins Faces Scrutiny Over AM General Campaign Donations
Senator Susan Collins is facing allegations that campaign donations from defense contractor AM General were linked to a $345 million Army vehicle appropriation.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins is facing scrutiny following a report by The Intercept alleging a connection between campaign donations and defense spending. The report states that employees and the political action committee of AM General, a producer of armored vehicles, donated at least $50,000 to committees supporting Collins and Representative Ken Calvert shortly after Congress approved $345 million for the Army to acquire more Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
This funding was approved despite previous assertions by former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll that additional deliveries would result in an excess of inventory. Collins' office denied her involvement in the appropriation decision, attributing the action to Senate defense subcommittee chair Mitch McConnell and vice chair Chris Coons.
AM General CEO John Chadbourne stated that all donations comply with FEC regulations. The allegations have provided campaign material for Collins' opponent, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, during their Senate reelection battle. This scrutiny follows a separate September investigation by ProPublica regarding a previously probed pay-to-play scheme involving a pro-Collins super PAC.
