We in Maine pride ourselves on being independent minded. We don’t like being told what to do but like to think things through for ourselves. We are also not afraid of hard work.

That is why I think Susan Collins is such a great representative of us in the U.S. Senate. She works hard studying the issues; she thinks for herself rather than blindly following party lines; she is there when the votes are counted; and she makes a difference.

Through her efforts working with members of both political parties, Susan has sponsored legislation that has become law covering such diverse topics as homeland security, postal service efficiency, Medicaid shortfalls, port security, tobacco settlements and FEMA reforms.

In contrast, Tom Allen has never authored any major legislation that has been signed into law; he votes straight party line at least 93 percent of the time; he has missed 108 votes in the House; and has switched committees so often he has never acquired seniority to align himself for a position of leadership.

Susan Collins has served as the Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where she is now the ranking member. She also serves on the Armed Services Committee, which is so important to the nation as well as the ship building industry here in the state of Maine.

Susan Collins is well respected by her colleagues in the Senate, and is an independent-minded centrist who works with senators on both sides of the aisle to get the job done. With only 100 members in the U. S. Senate, that is important.

We would do well to return her to Washington for a third term representing the people of Maine.

John Bragg

Bangor