The spotlight of a televised political spot shown brightly on Jessica Chubbuck this spring. The two-term Edgecomb selectman and Bath Iron Works employee appeared in a commercial for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) this spring.

The two-term Edgecomb selectman and Bath Iron Works marine electrician appeared with her co-workers in a testimonial advertisement endorsing Collins for reelection this fall. All four BIW unions endorsed Collins.

Chubbuck was one of seven union members to speak about Collins’ role in advocating for contracts at the shipyard. At first, Chubbuck didn’t expect to have a speaking part. It wasn’t until the day of the filming that Chubbuck discovered she would speak.

“It was as a total surprise,” she said. “At first, I thought I was going to be just another face in the crowd. But when it came time to film, I was told I was going to talk about Sen. Collins.”

In the commercial, Chubbuck, along with six other BIW union members, spoke about Collins past support for the shipyard. She spoke about her admiration for the senator’s work ethic.

“We’re hard working people who want to be represented just as hard in Washington, and that’s what she does,” Chubbock said.

Prior to her election to the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen in 2010, Chubbuck supported Collins her in previous campaigns. Chubbuck said she’s been “a fan of Collins” for many years.

“It’s not just what she’s done for the shipyard. The fact that she’s a regular Maine person who is very personable when you talk to her is important to me,” Chubbuck said.

Chubbuck’s television appearance drew accolades during a June selectman’s meeting. Selectman Stuart Smith said he was so impressed with Chubbuck’s television appearance that he asked for her autograph. Resident Jarryl Larson commented that she was proud to see someone from Edgecomb who had such a prominent role in a political ad. 

“Not only did she appear in he ad, she also had a speaking part. I just wanted to acknowledge that Jessica did a good job and made the town really proud,” Larson said.

Collins, a three-term U.S. senator, is being challenged by Democrat Shenna Bellows of Manchester. This is Bellows first attempt at running for office. She previously worked for eight years as the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine’s executive director.