In a May 20 editorial, the Bangor Daily News appealed to the Chellie Pingree campaign to run an “issue-oriented” campaign as opposed to her “less polite, more personal campaign against Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins” that is doing more to “confuse than enlighten voters.”

In a May 24 response, Maine Democratic Party Chair Gwethalyn Phillips said she “strongly disagreed” with the Bangor Daily News – but then she inadvertently reinforced the point of the editorial. Phillips criticized Sen. Collins for voting against a failed Senate amendment. She suggested that Collins should have voted the other way because the measure was “hardly controversial.” Without a hint of irony, Phillips then went on to report that the amendment failed on a 50-50 vote, a margin that shows that the Senate could not have been any more divided.

While the Pingree campaign and its surrogates continue to “shoot blanks” at Sen. Collins, it is appropriate to set the record straight since the one-dimensional Pingree campaign strategy will likely result in repeated attempts to distort Sen. Collins’ distinguished record.

Sen. Collins has been clear that one of her highest priorities is expanding access to affordable health care. On the issue of prescription drugs, everyone agrees that we must extend a prescription drug benefit to seniors. Collins has proposed a common sense plan that guarantees all Medicare beneficiaries voluntary access to prescription drug coverage with affordable premiums. It would subsidize, or waive altogether, premiums and co-pays for low-income seniors. Her prescription drug proposal is grounded in the belief that we should work together to seek a solution, not a campaign issue.

Pingree’s assertion that Collins’ vote on the “hardly controversial” Sen. Baucus amendment is a “fair illustration” of her lack of support for prescription drug coverage couldn’t be further from the truth. Collins voted in opposition to the Baucus amendment because it pitted tax relief against the issue of prescription drugs. Providing seniors with a prescription drug benefit vs. tax relief should not be an either-or proposition. Success is not defined by providing prescription drug or tax relief at the expense of the other. That’s why Sen. Collins joined Sen. Olympia Snowe in drafting an amendment to provide a $300 billion reserve fund over 10 years to provide a prescription drug benefit. Their work across party lines is paving the way for Senate passage of a Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Representing the people of Maine in the United States Senate requires leadership on a range of issues. Since her election in 1996, Sen. Collins has compiled an impressive record on issues important to the people of Maine – from health care and education to the environment and the economy.

Sen. Collins has pledged her support for Maine’s small businesses. In fact, her very first bill was for death tax relief for family businesses and farms to help them survive the transition between generations. She authored legislation to help small businesses afford health insurance for their employees and secured funding for small business assistance. She has received 100-percent ratings from the nation’s largest small business advocacy organization.

On education, Sen. Collins has kept her promise to work for our schools. She has worked closely with President Bush on landmark education reforms that set high standards and improve early reading programs. Collins doesn’t overlook the small details either. The fact is, many dedicated teachers pay for extra school supplies out of their own pocket. Collins achieved tax relief for the scores of teachers who spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year to provide our children with the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom.

Collins also has been a leader in protecting Maine’s environment and natural resources. She has been lauded for her “commitment to clean air in Maine and across the nation” (U.S. Public Interest Research Group) and as an “important leader who works across party lines to find a real solution” (League of Conservation Voters). From preserving working forests and curbing urban sprawl to improving air quality, Collins is working to protect Maine’s environment and our way of life.

There are clear differences between Sen. Collins and her opponent – both in terms of public policy and campaign style. Collins’ record of leadership and hard work on behalf of the people of Maine has resulted in a spectacular first term, particularly for a freshman senator. While Collins’ exemplary record truly speaks for itself, we should be wary of her opponent who prefers to mischaracterize the views of Sen. Collins rather than define her own position on a number of issues. We agree with the Bangor Daily News’ original statement and look forward to an informative debate.

Kathy Watson is chair of the Maine Republican Party.