Tuesday, May 15, 2007

If Allen wants a promotion, let's compare his record with that of Collins while both have served in Congress.

In representing Maine, Collins has been a tireless advocate for her native state, especially in supporting Maine jobs.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Collins fought to keep the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open and supported legislation to provide a continued and steady workload at Bath Iron Works.

She has also sponsored legislation to increase Pell Grants and other student financial aid for Maine's young people.

In addition, Collins led the fight to restore critical funding to Medicare for home health care so that elderly citizens and disabled can receive needed care in their own homes.

The contrast between Collins' record of accomplishment, Allen's record is stark at best. Since 1997, Allen has not authored any major legislation that has been signed into law. Furthermore, Allen unexpectedly gave up his seat on the House Armed Services Committee in 2004 in order to pursue "other interests," just when Maine needed another voice to fight to keep the Brunswick Naval Air Station open and protect important jobs at Bath Iron Works.

In my opinion, the choice for the U.S. Senate is easy. I choose Collins' strong advocacy for Maine people over Allen's misguided priorities.

Jacob Roundtree

Waterville

jjroundt@colby.edu