Maine needs an effective leader and a strong voice in Washington, and that is why I am supporting Jared Golden in next month’s Democratic 2nd Congressional District primary.

Despite Gov. LePage and a Republican Senate, over the past four years Rep. Golden has introduced and passed eight bills regarding veterans.

Rep. Golden’s peers in the Maine House of Representatives saw this strong leadership and chose him as the Democratic assistant majority leader.

Rep. Golden stands up to Gov. LePage when he attacks Democratic and Maine values.

Rep. Golden is a veteran, having left the University of Maine at Farmington to serve his country as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you agree with me that now, more than ever, we need strong leaders in Washington who will fight for us and be successful problem solvers.

I hope others join me in voting for Jared Golden in the June 12 primary.

Catherine Carey, Leeds