AUGUSTA, Maine — Steve Abbott may know as much about the way Washington works as anyone could. Abbott, who grew up in Orono, graduated from Harvard and the University of Maine School of Law, and also earned a master’s degree in sports management from UMass. He has spent most of the past 28 years as chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

“I love the Senate,” said Abbott during an interview in Portland, less than a week before the government shutdown began.

“I think it’s a critically important institution for this country. The Senate has always played a special role, and I don’t think there is an institution like it in the world.”

It’s a job that puts Abbott in the middle of multiple issues and debates, guiding the staff of about 50 in Washington and Maine, plus the work of several

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