The people of Maine have always had a strong reputation for being hard workers. That being said, why should we accept anything less than that of our congressman?

As a representative of Maine, it is the job of Tom Allen to represent roughly 1.3 million citizens in Congress, and when Allen misses a vote (which he has done 145 times) the people of Maine lose their voice in Washington! Is this the type of representation that Maine deserves? Certainly Mainers have higher expectations than this.

Whether or not these are issues that Allen feels are important, I do believe the people who elected him may have a different opinion.

One of the more notable times that Allen failed to make votes was in September 2007, when he missed 19 votes in a row. Over this time period, he decided that fundraising and campaigning in California for his race against Sen. Susan Collins was more important than voting on issues such as terrorism risk insurance and affordable housing.

Thankfully, the people of Maine can depend on Collins, Allen's opponent in November. Our senator has never failed to represent Maine in the 3,764 opportunities she has had to do so, a streak that is well-respected by all Mainers. Please consider what the people of Maine are paying Allen to do, and ask yourself: What would happen to you or your co-workers if you skipped work as often as Allen?

Ryan Lorrain

Waterville