Paul Madore is looking everywhere but inside his own mind and heart for his decisive loss (June 9). I’m reminded of the thought that it isn’t what life deals you that truly speaks to your character; it’s how you respond.

Leaders like his opponent let their character and record speak for themselves. “It’s somebody else’s fault!” sounds pretty childish by comparison.

But actually, Madore ran on his record, too – a record of anti-gay prejudice and ignorance.

Once again the resounding voice of Lewiston has said no to bigotry and backward thinking and yes to a better future for all its citizens. It’s enough to make one hopeful.

I congratulate the voters of Lewiston who recognize how fortunate they are to have a quietly intelligent and tirelessly effective advocate in Sen. Peggy Rotundo. If our national political leaders were of her mettle, we could all be hopeful indeed.

Martha Blowen, Lisbon Falls