I have been impressed with Chellie Pingree's leadership and intelligence for years. Now there is a responsible plan for removing ourselves from Iraq and, at the same time, repairing some of the harm we have done, both to ourselves and that country's people.

This rank stupidity -- or is it malice -- that has been done by the Republican majority in Washington forces us to leave this swamp in a constructive manner. Pingree, a candidate who has always opposed to the invasion of Iraq, will bring the same intelligence and leadership to this effort that she has always shown.

As one of a majority of Mainers who has always opposed this invasion of another country, I applaud Pingree's determination to end this madness and restore America's reputation for decency and democracy in a world too willing to follow this administration's example of "shoot first and ask questions later."

Stephen R. Aucoin

Waterville