Susan Collins brings federal dollars to Maine. She's hoping that's worth it to voters

Campaign signs sit next to a road in Rockport, Maine. Graham Platner is expected to be the Democratic nominee and would face off against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election. Joe Raedle/ hide caption toggle caption Joe Raedle/ The outcome of a pivotal Senate race in Maine could hinge on whether voters value Republican Sen. Susan Collins ' clout and ability to secure federal dollars over Democratic insurgent Graham Platner's call to upend a political system he says is rigged against working-class Americans. Platner's call for a political revolution has been a centerpiece of a barnstorming campaign that's already pushed his Democratic rival, Gov. Janet Mills, out of the race. As the contest pivots to the November election, Collins is using old school pork barrel politics to win over voters who may be ambivalent about reelecting her to a sixth term. It's one of several sharp contrasts in a contest that could determine whether Republicans can maintain control of the Senate or if Democrats' difficult path to a majority will be successful. Collins has long focused on "bringing home the bacon," a time-honored strategy for incumbent politicians in Congress that's sometimes overshadowed by contemporary methods used by newer members to garner voter attention and loyalty. The incumbent Republican has already signaled that continuing to send federal dollars directly to Maine will be key to her reelection bid. …