There are few issues as divisive as abortion, and how our political leaders handle this shows us a great deal about the character of individual politicians. I have more respect for an honest adversary than I have for a duplicitous ally.

Many observers believe that Mike Michaud won election to Congress in 2002 because many conservatives voted for him, believing him when he said he was pro-life and pro-gun rights. Others said that he was lying in order to get elected. Who was right?

As a state elected official from a conservative area, Mr. Michaud was 100 percent pro-life. But when he got to Washington, things began to change. In 2003 he voted for abortion and with NARAL 10 percent of the time.

But by 2004 he was pro-abortion 65 percent of the time, and 75 percent in 2005 and 78 percent in 2006. And in 2007 he reached “perfection”: 100 percent pro-abortion.

Mike still advertises himself as a pro-life, Blue Dog Democrat. This is false. Regardless of what I think of abortion, I know treachery when I see it.

Terry D. Tracy

Houlton