One of the more exciting developments in Maine politics has been the split in the Republican party, between the mainstream Maine GOP and the Ron Paul people.

While I am a fan of many of the concepts of the new liberty-minded Republicans, some things deeply concern me.

First, the liberty crowd seems uncomfortable about the issue of same-sex marriage. Sam Canders of Bangor, running in House District 15, sums up my concerns well: I do not support gay marriage, so I will not be getting gay married.

Others keep going on about getting government out of marriage. Last time I checked, the government is the group that enforces contracts.

These new Republicans recognize that same-sex marriage probably will pass and want to give a wink and a nod to traditionalists, who range from being unsettled about LGBT couples to being flat-out bigots.

I believe the real perverts are the people who think same-sex marriage takes away from straight marriage, I mean really as if Question 1 changes straight relationships.

The biggest issue for me, looking forward to 2014, is the idea of an east-west highway in Maine, private or otherwise.

Outside groups really want to rally Gov. Paul Lepage and the Republicans for this bold private highway plan with some instate companies wanting the contracts.

I am all for strengthening the rights of the individual and the laissez faire nature of rural Maine life, but corporations are not people (no matter what the Supreme Court says). I do not support the idea of cutting my state into two sections so companies have the liberty to move capital across to Canada.

The best thing most Mainers would get from this are low-paying jobs at gas stations or fast food joints along the new highway.

Seth Baker

Waterville