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I am not surprised that polls show Graham Platner holding a resilient lead over both Gov. Janet Mills and Sen. Susan Collins in the race for U.S. Senate. The Down East oysterman and four-tour combat veteran rides a groundswell of support that bridges cultural and economic divides with a message that resonates. In his words: “We have a government by, of, and for billionaires, who are building a ‘billionaire economy’ that none of us can afford.”
Democratic Party leadership failed to check the corrupting power of money in politics that enables this malignant oligarchy. They failed to listen to our concerns, I believe they failed so pathetically that America chose the disaster occupying our White House over an establishment Democrat.
Platner regularly takes questions at his packed town halls, no pre-screening, just raised hands. He doesn’t shy away, he listens, and relates, and he delivers a clarifying message: To win this fight we must put aside the outrage politics that keep us divided and come together in our communities to build a future where we can all thrive. I believe this is leadership.
Mills is the candidate of old leadership. She is running on a pledge to serve only one term, why? As a place holder while we wait for new leadership? New leadership is here now.
I think the governor should step aside from this race and focus on defending our independent electoral system through the tumultuous months ahead. I believe the people have chosen a unifying leader and we will send him to Washington to represent our interests.
Charlie Baldwin
Blue Hill