Liberal First District Congressman Tom Allen wants to be Maine’s next U.S. Senator. If Allen wants a promotion, let’s compare his record with his opponent, Sen. Susan Collins.

Since first being elected to Congress in 1996, Sen. Collins has authored and co-authored crucial federal legislation that has strengthened the security of the United States. One example is the Terrorism Prevention and Intelligence Reform Act, which implemented the major recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Another is the SAFE Port Act, which significantly strengthened our nation’s ports against terrorist attacks aimed to disrupt our economy. And as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Sen. Collins co-authored legislation that improved the federal government’s emergency management bureaucracy in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Now let’s contrast these accomplishments with Allen’s security record. Since first being elected to Congress in 1996, the same year as Sen. Collins, Allen has not authored any major security legislation that has been signed into law. In fact, Allen gave up his seat on the House Armed Services Committee in 2004, therefore limiting Maine’s influence in the debate over national defense policy.

Now, liken yourself as an employer who has to choose between two opponents, one named Tom who is seeking to replace another named Susan for a promotion. Based on the records above, the choice is simple. Maine needs Susan Collins’ strong work ethic in the U.S. Senate, not Tom Allen’s record of insignificance.

Nathaniel Walton, Lewiston

Chairman, Maine College Republicans