David Kurtz expresses his disappointment about what he hasn’t heard from Maine’s Democratic Senate candidates (“What I haven’t yet heard from Graham Platner and Janet Mills,” Nov. 16). And while he raises some valid points, he seems to downplay the most important issue facing Maine voters: Sen. Susan Collins. How many times, during Donald Trump’s two administrations, have the answers given and actions taken by Sen. Collins disappointed Mainers?

Whenever confronted with some racist, misogynistic or other despicable statement by Trump, Collins has expressed her “concern.” We’ve heard the same refrain from her when a Trump appointee, for whom she provided a critical confirmation vote, has done something which appears contrary to all she claims to stand for. The fact is that, for all her expressed “concern,” Trump and Republicans have found her vote there whenever truly needed.

One can’t help to compare Collins’ words and actions to those for which another Maine senator, Margaret Chase Smith, is best remembered — “conscience” and “courage.” Last time around, Collins’ display of “concern,” rather than “conscience” or “courage,” failed to prevent her reelection. 

Hopefully, in the 2026 election cycle, she will pay a price — no matter who her Democratic opponent may be.

Stephen Gladstone
Cleveland, Ohio