When I heard the news I couldn’t believe it. Would the Democrats in the Maine Legislature and the governor balance the state budget using money from two new state liquor stores on the Maine Turnpike? Sure enough, they would.

What are these people thinking about? To the state’s credit, over the last decade or so, the number of drinking-and-driving accidents have gone way done. I can’t understand why the Democrats would want to reverse that policy.

I can see it now. Tourists pouring into Maine for a vacation. They’ve been stuck in traffic at the New Hampshire toll booth. Suddenly, an oasis! A state liquor store in Kittery. And getting in and out of the liquor store is a simple affair: drive in, by your refreshments, and drive out.

How many accidents, perhaps fatal, will it take for the Democrats to acknowledge the stupidity of their positions?

Gov. King, since before he was elected, has said he wanted the state out of the liquor business. I am disappointed in his cutting a budget deal with Democrats that includes this irresponsible propostion. Edward L. Campbell Orrington