Gov. Janet Mills electrified the nation when she stood up to the president. “I’ll see you in court,” exemplified the common sense she is known for and modeled the leadership Maine — and the nation — needs.

Sen. Susan Collins plays a cagey game of performing acts of “integrity” when it matters least, while supporting the worst instincts of the GOP. Whether Supreme Court nominees or legislative actions (and now voting against NPR?), Collins has not shown true leadership in many years. And her role in undermining the Constitution and rule of law has proved disastrous.

No doubt Collins has channeled money to Maine industries (shipping, agriculture and fishing). But then she votes for policies that undermine those same industries. It’s quite a feat of political gaming but not a game we can afford to be on the losing side of any longer.

It’s unfair to call on Mills to run for this seat. It will be hard and (likely) pretty onerous. But never have we needed the kind of real integrity, common sense and courage she embodies. Henry Knox, Joshua Chamberlain, Frances Perkins, Margaret Chase Smith, Ed Muskie, George Mitchell, Angus King, Janet Mills — a pantheon embodying Dirigo. I suspect I am not alone in hoping the governor will declare soon a run for the U.S. Senate.

Joline Godfrey
Saint George