One of the hallmarks of today’s hyperpartisan era is the tendency of those on the ideological extremes to direct their ire toward centrists. It is through this lens that I read, with dismay, the March 15 op-ed “Susan Collins’ betrayal of Maine demands accountability.”

It turns out the “betrayal” is not against Maine but rather the uncompromising far left. Yet, even when Sen. Collins concludes that certain nominees are unqualified and votes in alignment with the author’s preferences — such as opposing Kash Patel to lead the FBI — he isn’t satisfied. He argues that she should have done more to defeat Patel’s nomination. While it is a compliment that he thinks she is sufficiently all-powerful to control the votes of 99 other senators, shouldn’t he at least hold Sen. King to his same double standard?

Some of the op-ed’s assertions are just plain wrong. Take for example the incorrect claim that Sen. Collins voted to cut Medicaid. It appears the author is confusing a bill that passed the House with a different version that passed the Senate. He also conveniently ignores the fact that Sen. Collins voted for an amendment that would have prohibited cutting taxes for the wealthy if even $1 is cut from Medicaid.

The author contends he wants a fighter, but what he actually seems to want is a puppet. Maine already has too many of those. Sen. Collins takes a different approach. Over and over, she has proven her independence, and we can be proud she represents our state with integrity.

Tammy Knight
Standish