I’ve always been proud to tell people, when I travel, that I’m from Maine. However, I’m sure many Mainers have experienced “the look” during Paul LePage’s governorship. It’s the look on people’s faces when they hear we’re from Maine — a look of confusion, shifting into distaste before they ask, “You got that guy up there, don’t you?” and we knew just what guy they meant. After being forced to admit that yes, that guy was our governor, they’d ask, “Do people really like him up there?” and the horrible embarrassment of having to explain Maine’s mistake.

I’m sad to say it’s starting to happen again. People asking about Graham Platner — his tattoo, his posts and asking, “Are people really gonna vote for him?”

Do we remember what it felt like every time Paul LePage said something horrible and offensive and dreading talking to friends from away, to try to explain how our beautiful, big-hearted state could elect someone like that? Every new Platner post and revelation has felt like that and after four months of it, do we want six years of explaining our own Fetterman-LePage to the nation?

Don’t let Maine be embarrassed again.

Max Cooper
Portland