Maine's Susan Collins: Duty, bipartisan outlook drove decision to stay in Senate

Known in the Senate for doing her homework on issues, Republican Susan Collins of Maine thoroughly weighed the pros and cons of running for governor before she finally announced on Friday that she was staying put as the state’s senior senator in Washington. 

It was a decision that caused a ballroom full of Mainers – Republicans and Democrats – to give her a standing ovation, including a sharp whistle of approval. For many, Senator Collins is a voice of reason and civility in today’s highly charged political atmosphere. Indeed, she’s been ranked the most bipartisan member of the Senate four-years running.

But a sense of duty also played a huge role in her decision, she told the Monitor in an exclusive interview at the seaside resort where she made her announcement. Though she feels the

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