I have always admired Sen. Susan Collins for her independence and work ethic. And I appreciate her ability to represent Maine without being over-influenced by partisan pressures. She seems to have the courage and resolve to deflect the distractions of Washington in order to funnel her energies into the meaningful work for our state and country.

One of her key beliefs is that leaders should work together despite party affiliations to solve our country’s problems.

It takes open-minded diplomats such as Collins to bring our diverse congressional members together.

That is the high road, and a difficult road to take because the party system tends to work against that type of problem solving.

Yet despite those barriers, she chooses to lead by trying to find the best consensus solutions. She is a great role model of leadership. I wish her the best and will be supporting her.

Rep. Patrick Flood, Winthrop