March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Collins is one of us

Recently, an individual I respect was telling me why I should support Joe Brennan in his U.S. Senate race against Susan Collins. My friend tried hard to convine me that Brennan’s experience, influence and concern for the state of Maine would make for the better senator. As I considered her logic, I also thought about Brennan’s historic connection with the southern part of the state. His roots and his frame of reference: Munjoy Hill and the Greater Portland area.

Much as we might want to believe that old “two Maines” controversy is behind us, the fact remains that those who hail from south of the Augusta dividing line often foget the needs and concerns of their northern neighbors. And in political terms, unless bloodlines and heritage intervene, the sheere numbers of voters in southern Maine often translate into Money raised, elections won and favors owed.

One doesn’t need to look back very far to remember where Brennan’s base of support comes from. He is a son of the south whose state-view has always focused, quite pragmatically, where favors are due.

In politics, roots matter and our 2nd District congreesman, John Baldacci, has served us well. Similarly, Susan Collins, who has made a frequent reference to the influence of her Aroostook County foundations, is one of us: steeped in the issues and concerns of importance to Northern Maine.

Further, Collins’ small business experiences and commitment to education as a foundation for economic growth are ideas that represent the best interests of all of Maine’s citizens.

So, despite my friend’s efforts to promote Brennan, I think I’ll stick with Susan Collins. Not only is she one of us, a fact that will insure balanced representations in the U.S. Senate, she’s right on the issues too. We should support her. William M. Cohen Bangor


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