In Greg Kesich’s recent op-ed contrasting the paralysis of today’s Congress with the landmark achievements of Congresses past, there was a disheartening absence of hope (“Stories of legislative action the new fantasy genre,” Aug 1).

Even the most successful leaders of U.S. history, it seemed, would be immobilized by the dysfunction of today’s partisanship. What gives me hope is the indepndent U.S. Senate candidacy of Angus King. Angus gives me hope the institution of Congress can indeed be repaired, and that a renewed era of common purpose can once again triumph over partisan intransigence.

I know there are other thoughtful and capable people in Congress who are exasperated with the status quo; our two senators among the best of them. Angus is my hope because he’s not encumbered by partisan pressures and, as a result, creates an opening for others to choose a more collaborative path.

And the reason I think it will work is because Angus’ articulate and charismatic presence will give that collaborative path a credibility, legitimacy and national visibility that draws people in. I see no politician with anything close to Angus’ potential to repair the institution of Congress itself — to define, market, inspire and draw together those congressional colleagues whose better instincts are to collaborate.

If you haven’t yet attended an Angus King event, you need to find one. I’ve never met a politician who so gracefully connects with diverse audiences, listens and shares thoughtfully, collaborates, inspires, gets to the crux of an issue and stays so unwaveringly positive.

He gives me hope that in 2013, Congress may in fact function once again.

Sen. Dick Woodbury of Yarmouth is the only independent in the Maine Senate.

 

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