I recently had a brain MRI. The report noted “mild to moderate global volume loss.” They labeled it a “chronic change of senescence.”

Senescence. A word so soft it almost melts in your mouth. In reality, it’s a polite way to say “I’m old.” But so are too many of our politicians, especially in the U.S. Senate where the median age is 64.7 years.

Gov. Janet Mills has done an excellent job for Maine under very difficult circumstances. But the race is not about her energy and experience or how prepared she feels “for this moment.” 

The stakes are huge in next year’s election: nothing short of preserving the Constitution. It’s time for both Sen. Collins, 72, and Gov. Mills, 77, long-time politicians, to step aside and make room for people with more “global volume,” less baggage and fresh ideas. 

It’s time to replace the senescence in the Senate. 

Arthur C. Benedict
Peaks Island