I struck a nerve among the liberal Democrats in my June 19 letter. Responses were name-calling and party-line allegations; no facts.

Fact: Democrats had full control of Congress, including all funding and taxes, from 2006 through 2010.

Opinion: The Democrats should have done the right thing and canceled the Bush tax cuts in order to pay for the war. They did nothing. Instead, they blamed George Bush for the debt increase from $8 trillion to the current $16 trillion. Scandalous, worthless mortgages were covered up by the Democratic Congress which fed into a downturn in the economy.

I am not wealthy, but I respect the wealthy people who have risked their fortunes and efforts to create businesses and thus create jobs, for which many people are thankful. The wealthy also are the major contributors to community charities, hospitals, museums, etc. They pay a large majority of the taxes in the U.S. They are also major donors to the Democrat Party. Is it wise to hold their wealth against them?

The Republican Party is not perfect, but it is clear that President Barack Obama has not done his job, and Mitt Romney has the integrity, experience and ability to get us out of the mess Obama created. Also, a change is needed in Congress.

Watch for candidates who are honest, clear-thinking and reliable people who have served Maine well. Electing them to Congress will give Maine quality representation. Some candiates' qualifications will not stand up to close scrutiny.

Thomas Shields, Auburn