Having read Steve Collins’ Dec. 15 column, “Rick Bennett shows Maine Republicans there’s another way,” I was struck by how low the bar has been set for our Republican representatives.

The vile tirade of our current president should have had all Mainers reacting with disgust. The very fact that Mr. Collins has to point out the “courage” of Rick Bennett, a lifelong Republican running for governor as an independent, for standing with our Somali neighbors speaks volumes about the state of the current Maine GOP.

I have only met Mr. Bennett once, during a political campaign, but he struck me as a very decent human who cares deeply about the well-being of all of our citizens. The impression he left with me was very positive. However, there is a long way to go before I am ready to give my vote to any of the candidates. I do know that I will not give my vote to anyone with the “R” after their name.

That, I am very sure of.

Bob Riley
Saco