The insinuation in the Sun Journal editorial March 10, “Sold out by credit industry,” that we have betrayed Maine, becoming puppets of the credit card companies, is outrageous and baseless. To suggest that our votes are for sale to the highest bidder goes beyond legitimate criticism of our records of public service; it is an attack on our integrity and character.

We find it curious that of all the votes cast in Congress on a variety of issues, the Sun Journal chose to examine political contributions regarding the bankruptcy reform bill, and to Maine’s two Republican senators.

The purpose of this legislation, which passed the Senate overwhelmingly by a vote of 74 to 25, is to ensure that wealthy individuals cannot file for bankruptcy to escape paying their bills. We believe most Mainers would agree with that goal, which is why we joined Congressman Mike Michaud in supporting an almost identical bill in 2003.

People who earn less than the median state income would still be able to file under Chapter 7. In Maine, this new bill will affect fewer than 10 percent of the people who file. Furthermore, the bill provides additional protection for disabled veterans, service members called to active duty and debtors with severe health problems.

We are confident that Mainers know we will continue to be strong and independent voices for them in Washington. They expect us to put their interests above all else, and that is exactly what we did with the bankruptcy bill.

Sens. Olympia J. Snowe,

Susan M. Collins, Washington, D.C.

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