As I am sure you are aware of, this is an election year. Politicians' signs adorn every yard and television without political advertisement is a rarity. Among the elections facing Bowdoin students is the Senate race between incumbent Senator Susan Collins and Representative Tom Allen. Although all polls to date show Collins as the favorite by a large margin, this election has drawn national attention. Many believe that should Barack Obama be elected, a senate majority will be essential to achieving "real change". As a native Mainer and a Bowdoin student I feel I can express a unique perspective on this issue.
As a native of Portland and seventh generation Mainer, Tom Allen should be held in high regards by Maine voters who typically view common heritage as a sign of trust. The problem for Tom is that he seems to believe that Maine ends after Augusta. On paper he may seem like a good ole boy but, most Mainer's think he is a phony city slicker. This is an attitude that is reinforced by the Allen campaign's decision to limit campaigning to the more populated cities of southern Maine. It is no surprise that donations to the Allen campaign have been far less than what was expected.
In fact, Allen had hoped to raise enough money to purchase a campaign bus that he could use to tour the state. Financial limitations have forced Allen to settle for an old van instead. It seems an interesting parallel exists between Tom Allen's campaign plans and his ideology. Allen's belief that he could raise enough money to buy a tour bus is built on the same unrealistic grounds as his idealistic policy.
The campaign strategy of Susan Collins stands in stark contrast to that of Tom Allen. While maintaining a near perfect floor vote attendance, Collins has still paid attention to all of Maine, not just the southern part of the state. Over the years Senator Collins has earned the trust of the Maine people and cultivated a following that is unique to her. Her support base is not dependent on party lines and this is evidenced by the fact that 30% of Maine democrats do not support Tom Allen. Furthermore, the voting record of Senator Collins indicates a pro-gay rights and a pro-women's rights tendency. She is also a supporter of stem cell research. These characteristics make her one of the most moderate Senators of the 110th Congress.
However, an article in last week's Orient sought to discredit Senator Collins by tying her to President Bush. The author pointed out that Susan Collins has "voted with President Bush 77 percent of the time." What she was ineptly referring to is the presidential support rating of Susan Collins. The author led readers to believe that this was a rather high rating. What she neglected to mention was that this rating is the fourth lowest in the entire Republican Party. It is clear that empirical evidence suggests Senator Collins is not a far right republican as the author would have you believe. This same article said that Barack Obama voted with Tom Allen in 2002 against the Iraq War. Huh? That is impossible considering that Obama was not a United States senator in 2002. You would expect the more fervent supporters of Obama to have some knowledge of his career.
It is interesting for me to see the involvement the Bowdoin community seeks in state elections. Part of the unique perspective I am offered is to see how a generally liberal campus feels about my favorite representatives. Many of these students have not been on the Maine political scene long enough to realize the true impact of Senator Collins's policy making efforts. Susan Collins has demonstrated an ability to play a national role in policy making. This is a quality we Mainers have come to expect ever since the landmark career of Margaret Chase Smith. Senator Collins has shown time and time again that she is willing to make decisions based on what is best for this nation, not just for her state. In contrast, senators such as Robert Byrd, a Democrat from West Virginia, display a propensity to prioritize his state above national matters. One could say that Senator Byrd can "bring home the bacon," better than any other senator. He even secured a Coast Guard base in his state, which happens to be land locked! Senator Collins has also brought home the bacon, only she has done so in the form of military contracts for BIW and other programs which benefit both the nation and the state of Maine.
I encourage the Bowdoin community to become involved in Maine's state elections. However, I urge each and every student to make an informed decision this fall. Do not rely on biased media that belies the truth. While you may consider these opinions to be biased, bare in mind that I make no claims to objectivity. As a native Mainer I have experienced first hand the effects of Susan Collins's career and I'm tellin' you what: Senator Collins is an intelligent voice of reason and moderation in an increasingly polarized Congress. A vote for Collins is not just a vote for the Republican regime? it is a vote for an incredible woman who has worked diligently to increase the prosperity of this state as well as the nation. No senator represents her constituents' attitudes better than Susan Collins and I am sure that the election results will reflect this.
Steve Robinson is a member of the Class of 2011.