I have carefully looked at both of our Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate. One candidate is an oyster farmer, harbormaster and military veteran, with no lawmaking experience. The other candidate stood up to President Trump by defending a Maine law and then winning against him in court.

Janet Mills has protected reproductive rights and kept us safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Maine had one of the lowest death rates in the country and one of the highest vaccination rates.

Graham Platner would be representing Maine without a deep understanding of constitutional law. If elected, he would be the only U.S. senator without a college degree. Janet Mills, on the other hand, earned her law degree in 1976 and has served as a three-time elected district attorney representing three counties, eight years in the Maine House of Representatives, Maine attorney general, and currently, as twice-elected governor of Maine.

Graham Platner could finish his degree, run for an office — such as Maine House of Representatives or Maine Senate — and then Mainers could judge for themselves whether or not he is up to the task of being a U.S. senator. His lack of experience and education would not serve the state of Maine well in the U.S. Senate.

His talking points are appealing, but he needs to show us what he can do for Maine instead of telling us who he is not.

Maria Kauffman
Winthrop