Last month, the editorial board of this newspaper asked the question, “Why on earth does the SAVE America Act have Susan Collins’ support?” The question should be raised again.

Why, Sen. Collins? 

Collins talks such a great story when she claims not to be just another Republican in a MAGA hat. Of course, the thin nature of that assertion was shown in the photo of the smiling Collins standing just a few feet from Donald Trump in the Oval Office with a MAGA-style hat in hand.  More tellingly, she added her name as the 50th Senate supporter of the Trump-endorsed voter-suppression SAVE America Act, legislation based entirely on the false and “Trumped up” notion that voter fraud is rampant. Maine voters know better. 

And does any Mainer believe that Margaret Chase Smith, were she a senator today, would support a bill making it more difficult for Maine voters to cast their ballot? Or hold in her hand a hat symbolizing the divides in this country? Of course not — and nor do admirers of Sen. Smith in other states, like myself.  

The amount of damage Donald Trump will be able to do to our country in the remaining two years of his term in office is dependent on the support he will receive from senators like Susan Collins. And that is what Maine voters must keep in mind this November.

Steven Gladstone
Cleveland, Ohio