It’s really all about Susan Collins. Both Janet Mills and Graham Platner support progressive agendas. Concerned about Mills’ age? Elizabeth Warren would finish a Senate term at 81, Mills at 84 and Bernie Sanders at 89. Mills is in good company. 

As employers would say, better someone qualified for a short time than someone unqualified for a longer time. Right now, there’s no time for a “learning curve.” Our country still pays the price for an ego and promotion machine telling us a candidate doesn’t need to earn their chops.

We all know Platner’s history of comments. So, after 10 years of enduring a known sexual predator, misogynist, racist and warmonger — forgive some of us for not immediately rushing in with unconditional support. Mills should highlight his past in her campaign ads. Things he attempted to hide and now admits were wrong might have abruptly ended other candidacies. It’s disconcerting that some of us, who abhor Trump, so easily shrug off troubling Platner details.

Following the embarrassment of two-time governor by default Paul LePage, we’ve been proud to be Mainers again, choosing Mills overwhelmingly — twice. While not perfect (a criteria Platner supporters abandoned long ago), she must be doing something right. Are we willing to risk more unearthed Platner “surprises” that will pave the way for Collins? 

Jeniferlee Tucker
Topsham