I affirm the editorial decision to print Ms. Pamela Doughty’s on-target letter about the bias shown toward Graham Platner (“Paper’s love of Platner is irresponsible,” Jan. 1).

I look forward to more equitable coverage about the candidates vying for a place on the ballot for the U.S. Senate. The recent lengthy feature reinforced Mr. Platner’s lack of leadership experience, collaboration and long-term commitment in any previous civilian or political position.

I find it interesting that in recent rallies, Mr. Platner has been on his “soapbox” about public education when, at least at the high school level, his experience was in two private schools. Similarly, stating he is in favor of universal health care is fine. Such a system has been instrumental in higher-quality outcomes for several European countries and Japan.

However, I believe it is unrealistic of Graham Platner to think that as someone new to the national political environment, he could effect meaningful change where others (more recently, Sen. Sanders of Vermont) have not had success. One troubling point in the biographical feature about Graham Platner was his continuing to post racist, misogynistic, close-minded comments on social media for a decade.

The last thing we need in Washington, D.C., is another potentially unfiltered, strong voice that
demeans or insults groups of people.

Gail Regan
Portland