Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson is standing by his decision to tell Republican Sen. Susan Collins to “shut up” during a heated debate, rejecting her criticism of his conduct as the campaign heads toward Election Day. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Oct. 18, Jackson said he did not know the protester who interrupted Collins during the Oct. 15 debate in Bangor. The protester opposed data centers and spoke while Collins was answering a question. Collins argued that Jackson’s remark showed how he treats women. Jackson said he had debated Collins four times and shaken her hand after each one, but objected to what he called being talked down to and accused of setting up the interruption. “What I’m not going to be is talked down to by Senator Collins,” he said. The exchange puts debate conduct and the protester’s disruption in the spotlight in a closely watched contest between the incumbent and her Democratic challenger. Jackson has made clear he is not backing away from his sharp response, while Collins has framed it as a reflection of his attitude toward women.