This is not what this politician needed. Especially before the midterms.
And a concerning health issue has struck this U.S. senator.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has stepped forward with news about a personal health matter just as she kicks off her campaign for another term in the Senate.
At 73 years old, the veteran lawmaker revealed she has dealt with a benign essential tremor for decades.
This condition leads to noticeable shaking in the voice, hands, and head. Collins chose to speak about it openly for the first time this week during an interview with local media.
The senator stressed that the tremor has been part of her life throughout her entire Senate career, which began back in 1996.
She maintains it has never slowed her down or affected her daily responsibilities in office.
“I have had it for the entire time that I have served in the United States Senate,” Collins said to News Center Maine.
“It has absolutely no impact on my ability to do my job or on how I feel each day.”
Collins pointed to her remarkable attendance record as proof of her fitness.
She has not been absent from a single Senate floor vote across roughly 30 years.
“If you talk to anybody in Washington, they will tell you that I am the hardest-working person that they have ever worked with, and the fact is I’ve never missed a single vote in all the time that I’ve been honored to represent the people of Maine,” the senator stated.
She framed this perfect attendance as clear evidence of strong health:
“I think that’s pretty good evidence of the fact that I am blessed with great health.”
Collins went on to dismiss any concerns about her condition hindering her performance.
“It’s inconvenient at times, but that’s all,” the senator stated.
