I was a registered Democrat for 60 years. I recently changed my registration to independent because I was tired of Democrats, typically on the right side of most issues, nevertheless shooting themselves in their collective feet when it was important.

The only important thing right now is defeating Sen. Susan Collins. 

However, with so much at stake, true to classic Democrat form, Janet Mills has just shot Democrats’ feet. She has screwed up in a major way. Instead of campaigning strictly on her record, much of it commendable, Mills is attacking her main opponent, Graham Platner. 

Both candidates must heed the advice of James Talarico, who just won the Texas Democratic primary for the Senate. Refusing to trash Rep. Jasmine Crockett, his main adversary, he said all Democrats were on the “same team” and kept his focus on the decades-long carnage perpetrated by the Republicans.

Mills (and Platner) need to keep the same focus and avoid giving Collins talking points. This is not rocket science.

Are Mills or Platner ideal candidates? Absolutely not. Each has flaws. That said, both are infinitely better than Collins, who claimed in 1996 she would only run twice.

Janet and Graham must keep their focus strictly on Collins’ record and remind her (and the Maine electorate) that what goes around, comes around.

Paul Burlin
Yarmouth