Baldacci, Woodcock
don't have all answers

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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It didn't take long for Republican nominee Chandler Woodcock to show his Bush-loving colors. He immediately chastised critics of the Bush administration and its approach to economic issues, saying Maine leaders could "learn something" from the Oval Office. Bush and Republicans have created the greatest disparity between the wealthy and everyone else since 1929 and biggest federal deficit ever.

Woodcock embraces the divisive politics of George Bush and Republicans. This approach panders to social conservatives and wealthy Republican corporate boosters who demand an agenda of exclusion. They also loudly denounce the concept that a democratic society ought to embrace many viewpoints.

This is by no means an endorsement of career politician, Imperial John Baldacci, who I will not support, even though I am a Democrat who believes that the party generally tries to do what is right. The all-or-nothing politics that Woodcock and Baldacci represent is not what this state needs. Neither man would bring the kind of competent, party-blind approach to the office as did Independent Angus King.

At this point, Maine's gridlocked state government needs the infusion of a progressive agenda. If things are going to be as bad as Democrats claim if Woodcock wins and vice versa, a new alternative can't have anything but upside. I'll vote for the fresh thinking, pro-economic growth and sensible tax policy candidate, Green Independent nominee Pat LaMarche.

As for "splitting the vote" and handing Woodcock a win, since when has a "least-worst" vote transformed anything?

Mark Tardif

Waterville