Sen. Susan Collins portrays herself as a moderate, devoted to bipartisanship. As chairwoman of the Senate Oversight Committee for three years, she could have developed bipartisan action on the major issue dividing our country – the war in Iraq. Reliable sources estimate that more than $23 billion ($75 million to Maine) has been lost through fraud and abuse by contractors in Iraq.

Colleagues requested that Collins conduct hearings into this shameful conduct. She could easily have developed bipartisan resolve to investigate the veracity and extent of these charges. Ignoring her obligation to our citizens and the troops, Collins refused. When she had the opportunity to make a difference, Collins chose the partisan Bush/Cheney path.

Rep. Tom Allen supports these hearings. It is time to elect a senator who will put American citizens above corrupt corporate interests and will work for bipartisan solutions.

Laurence A. Faiman, Auburn