Last week I mailed in my ballot and one of the votes I cast was for Sara Gideon for the US Senate. 

I served with Sara during her first two terms (4 years) in the Maine state legislature, before she became Speaker of the House.  I knew her to be bright, hard working and a clear leader.  She worked well with both Republican and Democratic House members, listening, proposing compromise solutions, and finding ways to get things done in a bipartisan way. 

She has done the same things in her 4 years as the Speaker of the House,  She has found ways to pass budgets, expand Medicaid, improve elder care, expand job training and education opportunities to help Mainers adapt to our changing economy.  And, very important to me, she is very strong on environmental issues.  She has been endorsed by the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Action Fund.

But equally important to her strong qualifications is she can beat Susan Collins.  The Portland Press Herald (July 7) has an article stating a latest poll shows Sara is 4 points ahead of Collins (Sara Gideon Maintains 4-Point Lead over Collins, p. 13).  She is also supported by Chuck Shumer, Minority Leader of the US Senate and is endorsed by Emily’s List, a national fundraising organization that supports women candidates.  These entities, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, don’t endorse candidates without serious and thorough vetting, especially before a primary.  They believe Sara is the best candidate to beat Susan Collins and I do too, from my own personal experience.  I know that some people don’t like outside support for Maine candidates.  But if we’re serious about defeating Collins, with her support from Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate Committee, we need this help for Sara from these respected institutions.

I ask you to join me in casting your vote for Sara if you haven’t already.

Joan Welsh, former State Representative (Camden, Islesboro, Rockport), lives in Rockport

54 Sea St

Rockport, ME 04856