As a small-business owner, I am voting for Rod Whittemore, because he understands firsthand the challenges we face. Just look at the facts.

The Maine Economic Research Institute is a nonpartisan, independent organization tasked with ranking legislators on their support of legislation to strengthen Maine’s economy. This past year, Rod Whittemore scored an 86.75 percent on the MERI report, which is considered a very strong supporter of Maine’s economy. His opponent scored a 21.88 percent, a score that indicates weakness in supporting Maine’s economy. The National Federation of Independent Business, which is America’s leading small-business association, ranks legislators on their support of the small-business community. Whittemore scored a 100 percent. While Rod voted with the small-business community 100 percent of the time, his opponent scored a 17 percent.

For me, it is clear who supports our business community. That’s why I will be voting for Whittemore on Nov. 8.

Walter Hight

Skowhegan