Norman Smith’s letter Sept. 29 expressed concern about my bias for the Republican Party. He guessed at an explanation.

I was born and reared in the “solid South.” We were Democrats and conservative.

Later, I came to realize that the place for a conservative had become the Republican Party.

Maine Republicans want government to spend less and lower tax burdens, remove stifling insurance and job regulations, promote education, spend the public’s tax money wisely, and care for those who are unable to care for themselves. We don’t give in to absurd environmental proposals that do nothing, but we realistically protect the environment in which we all must live. We oppose the socialistic trends of the Democrats, who have been in control of the state Legislature for more than 30 years (so the government we now have is from their agenda). Democrats have often ruthlessly defeated good Republican proposals.

Congressional Republicans strayed from our principles. They now realize that and are correcting their fiscal irresponsibility, but continue to protect this country.

The national Republican Party has chosen the McCain-Palin ticket which, if elected, would reassure me that we are likely to remain safe from more 9/11 attacks. If we weaken and the Islamic terrorists attack us again, other issues will cease to exist.

I encourage the public to look at candidates in their area. Judge which are political hacks and which are solid citizens trying to do an honest job for the people without putting their party first.

Thomas F. Shields, Auburn