Democrats are smarting after Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins cast a pivotal vote to help confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, promising electoral consequences in 2020. 

But the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative group that played a key role in Kavanaugh's confirmation, is trying to blunt Democrats' anti-Collins fervor with a six-figure television and digital buy. The spot thanks for her vote, praising Collins "for being a reasonable voice in Washington" and for doing "the right thing."

While Maine has its independent streak, Collins's own bipartisan image has helped her cruise to overwhelming victories in previous races. But Collins's no vote has energized Democrats who have donated more than $3.6 million to a fund that will go to supporting Collins's eventual Democratic opponent in 2020. 

So the new JCN spot will likely be just the start of the GOP's efforts to bolster Collins ahead of what could be a tougher-than-expected reelection fight.