The retirement of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe has lobbyists in the state hurrying to fill the gap.

I was a state representative for eight years, two of which were when Angus King was governor. The last time a third-party candidate ran for governor, Paul LePage was elected.

Party officials work real hard for the people and get no thanks other than from congressmen and women. The fact is, we are a party.

Vote for the party and not an ideal.

Ray Pineau, Jay