The streak is alive: Maine Sen. Collins nears 6,000th consecutive vote

September 17, 2015 12:00 am • Last Updated: September 18, 2015 5:05 pm

By By ALANNA DURKIN, Associated Press

In this Sept. 8 file photo, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, walks to the Senate floor at the Capitol in Washington. Collins, who once twisted her ankle while trying to run in heels to avoid missing a vote, is approaching her 6,000th consecutive vote. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Phott)

Augusta, Maine — Maine Sen. Susan Collins is poised to become just the third U.S. senator ever to cast 6,000 consecutive votes.

The Republican hasn't missed a vote since taking office in 1997. Her record stands at 5,998 as senators prepare Thursday for possible votes on measures related to the Iran nuclear deal.

She says the feat shows constituents that she's committed to her job.

But while Collins is the longest sitting senator to never have missed a vote, Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa has a longer voting streak. He has more than 7,400 votes dating to 1993.

And Collins has quite a bit of work if she wants to knock former Sen. William Proxmire from the No. 1 spot. The Wisconsin Democrat cast 10,252 consecutive votes between 1966 and 1988.

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