First lady Laura Bush is a strong advocate for her husband. She showed her oratorical skills during the Republican National Convention.

She avoided the shrill attacks and presented a a message of hope, optimism and accomplishment. While this page has certainly disagreed with President Bush on many of his specific policy positions – including some of those glowingly described by the first lady – Laura Bush’s demeanor in the campaign has been refreshing, above the fray and negativity of many of the president’s surrogates and of some of the Democrats who hope to unseat him.

We don’t expect Mrs. Bush to offer any policy pronouncements today with her visit to the Franco-American Heritage Center, but we are glad that she and the national Bush campaign realize the central role the Lewiston-Auburn area plays in Maine electoral politics, and especially in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.

Unfortunately, there are some questions about who will actually get to see the first lady. There are indications that only Republicans are welcome. That’s too bad. The country is surely divided during this contentious election, but Mrs. Bush is still the first lady for the whole country. Democrats, Greens, independents and undecideds should have an opportunity to see her during the stop in Lewiston.

Citizens shouldn’t have to pass a litmus test to hear the first lady speak.