To the Editor:
I drove for a congressional candidate today. It wasn’t an ego thing on the part of the candidate. I wasn’t dressed the part for appearances or driving a fancy rig. I was driving his pickup. He works 18-hour days in pursuit of the opportunity to serve. He can’t allow long hours on the road to cut into his productivity. I drove. He worked.
I was volunteering my time for a candidate who I’d seen at several of his public appearances. He’d struck me as a really sincere guy who truly had the best interest of Mainers in his heart. I’d like to emphasize “the best interest of Mainers” because this candidate believes in the rights of states (most especially our state). He believes that the blanket policies issued by the federal government are often at odds with the wants and needs of the individual states. Public support for this position is borne out in our state.
Consider this: Although his opponent has raised significantly more campaign money, this candidate is garnering more in contributions from actual Maine voters by 3 to 1!
So, what did I learn spending the day listening to him on the phone and watching him interact with people at the places we visited? I learned that the guy in front of the microphone at an event is the very same guy as when he’s in casual conversation with friends, family, colleagues, and prospective constituents. He means what he says and follows through. I trust him.
This is a man who has already given 21 years of his life in service to each of us as a Navy SEAL. When he talks about serving, he’s talking about a much higher level of service than most of us ever contemplate.
Whatever your party affiliation, I encourage you to approach the upcoming election with an open mind. Our choice for congress doesn’t need to be treated like a team sport, but rather as the best path to a healthy and prosperous Maine.
I’m convinced that Ed Thelander represents the stronger, more courageous, and more beneficial choice for our future.
Irv True
Round Pond
