We have become so used to extreme political language that it is rare to be shocked anymore. That is, until I received this in my mailbox: “Lydia Crafts Threatens Our Families With A Deadly Mix Of Addictive Drugs And Human Trafficking.” Lydia is our local Democratic representative.

This political garbage was not paid for by some fringe extremist group. It is “Paid for and authorized by Mary Lou Daxland for House.” Daxland is Craft’s Republican opponent.

This election is our opportunity to reject the politics of fear and return to a politics where we can respectfully disagree with one another. We are better than this in Maine. It is one of the many reasons we all love living here. I will be casting my vote for Lydia, who is a terrific representative.

Nigel Calder

Newcastle