|
Volume aaa, Number 7 |
 |
Democrats offer best choice in election
KATHERINE OSTROFSKY
STAFF WRITER
It may not be a presidential election year, but this election is critically important to the future of our state and country. Just what is at stake? Locally, a governor, senator, representative, and state legislature will be elected. Nationally, both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives are up for grabs.
With so much at stake, it is essential for Bowdoin students to vote-here in Maine, or in their home state. This is the opportunity to put action behind your political opinions and to burst the Bowdoin bubble.
So having decided to vote, you meet a friendly Bowdoin Evergreens-Democrats voter van and head down to exercise your civic duty. Pen in hand, you're standing in the polling booth ready to pick your candidates; but whom should you pick?
The Democrats offer the best candidates this November.
Governor: Congressman Baldacci has long been considered the front runner of this race. He has the experience, leadership, and vision to energize the state at every level. He will work hard to strengthen our state's educational system and build a community college system so that fewer graduates need to leave the state to continue their education. Long a proponent of our environment, Baldacci launched his environmental plan here this spring. He will repair the state's budget deficit by carefully scrutinizing our budget, cultivating existing industry, and supporting extensive research and development. Baldacci will also work to lower the cost of prescription healthcare for Mainers. He is an avid opponent to a casino, and a strong supporter of a woman's right to choose. Maine's two biggest papers, the Portland Press Herald and Bangor Daily News endorsed John Baldacci. As the Portland Press Herald wrote, "Baldacci stands well above his opponents, both in terms of experience and his pragmatic solutions to the state's problems" (October 27). Indeed, his opponents, Republican Peter Cianchette, Green Jonathan Carter, and Independent John Michael, simply lack the experience and sound policies so clearly held by John Baldacci.
Senate: Chellie Pingree, the Democrat opposing incumbent Susan Collins, has fought an uphill battle against the popular Senator. Though difficult, Pingree has shown the shrewd tenacity necessary for the position and has carefully constructed her policies to provide the representation we need in Washington. A champion for comprehensive and affordable health care and corporate responsibility, Pingree would make a fine senator.
House: Representative Tom Allen, the popular incumbent running against Republican Steve Joyce, has maintained his enormous popularity in the polls as a result of his excellent work as a representative of Maine's first congressional district. A graduate of the class of 1967, he regularly returns to Bowdoin to meet with students and discuss politics. He needs the opportunity to continue his work as our representative to the House.
Finally, let us not forget the local Democratic candidates for state legislature. Representatives Stan Gerzofsky and John Richardson, and Senator Beth Edmonds are all up for reelection and deserve another chance to continue to represent Brunswick in the local legislature.
So, on Election Day, vote the Democratic ticket, and, in the words of John Baldacci, we'll make Maine the "Opportunity State."