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Brad Aldridge is a former U.S. Army logistics officer and supply chain consultant based in Down East Maine.
As a 31-year-old in the middle of my life-building phase, I know that Maine is not just a postcard. It is a place where we must build careers, families, and lives. We need representation in Washington that understands the fiscal reality of doing so.
As a former U.S. Army logistics officer and a current supply chain consultant for a local hospital here in Hancock County, I see firsthand how vital federal funding is to our rural communities. Maine’s job market is not robust in every town, and our rural healthcare system relies heavily on leaders who can bring resources home. Because Sen. Susan Collins is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she serves as the shield that protects that funding. Thanks to her, Maine punches far above its weight in federal representation.
Some may dismiss Collins’s recent milestone of casting her 10,000th consecutive vote as trivial, but why shouldn’t we expect our elected representatives to show up every single day? I am proud we have a senator who treats this like a job, not a stage.
During my six years in the military, I relied on the defense budgets she helped shape to fund our missions. I appreciate the seriousness, temperament, and wisdom she brings to foreign policy. These are qualities that money simply cannot buy.
I believe deeply in fiscal responsibility and common sense. I would love to wave a magic wand and balance the federal budget tomorrow, but I also recognize the hurdles. That is why I respect Collins for often voting throughout her tenure against massive spending packages that would add to the long-term deficit.
Sometimes doing the right thing means setting aside how we might feel about daily hot-button issues and focusing on who is actually better for us in the long term. Save the partisan fights for the House of Representatives or for presidential races. I believe the Senate should be represented by someone whose sole interest is looking out for the good of our state.
Right now, Maine faces complex economic challenges with housing, taxes, jobs, and education. As we navigate these issues, we need absolute stability in Washington. While others scramble to figure out their political future, I think we can count on Collins to simply do the work.
Finally, in a time of increased coldness and harshness in our politics, I believe it is nice to have a senator of class and poise representing our state with kindness and positivity. There simply are not enough leaders following this playbook anymore, and I think a lot of us are sick of the division. I believe we have one of the finest senators in the country working hard for us every day. I respectfully ask you to join me in voting to reelect Sen. Susan Collins this November.