The recent state audit, revealing $2.1 billion in financial mismanagement under Gov. Janet Mills, should concern every Mainer. It exposed systemic failures and a serious risk of fraud in Augusta — the kind of neglect that robs young Mainers of opportunity.

Now, Gov. Mills wants to take that record to Washington, while Sen. Susan Collins continues to serve as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee — one of the most powerful fiscal positions in the country. Under her leadership, Maine has received record investments in workforce training, rural broadband and infrastructure that strengthen our economy and keep young people here.

This election is about competence versus chaos. Sen. Collins has delivered accountability and results. We can’t afford to hand the federal checkbook to the same administration that lost track of $2 billion in our own state.

Matt Griffiths
Chairman, Maine Young Republicans
Kennebunk