To the Editor:

Voters in Maine’s 66th legislative district will choose from three candidates. The race is really between Fred Horch, the Green Independent; and Mattie Daughtry, the Democrat.

Fred and Mattie agree on many issues, diverging most clearly on raising the minimum wage, which Mattie supports and to which Fred is opposed.

Where they really differ is where it counts. While Fred has no experience at all in Augusta, Mattie has been laser-focused on the Legislature as a legislative watchdog for Maine’s Majority. She’s already been working hard for years on our behalf.

Mattie Daughtry is a Democrat who, even without holding office, has already won the respect of a number of members of the Legislature. As clear as she has been about her opposition to Governor LePage and most of his agenda, she has still been able to garner support from Democrats and Republicans on bills she has cared about.

An extraordinary listener who also has plenty to say, Mattie already commands the respect of leaders of both parties because she is thoughtful, bright and well informed.

As a Democrat, she won’t operate alone but as part of a team, and as a fervent believer in bipartisan politics, she’ll work both sides of the aisle with consummate skill.

If you believe, as I do, that Maine has been ill-served by our current governor, please don’t waste your vote casting it for a very qualified candidate whose independent status will render him largely ineffective. Vote instead for Mattie Daughtry, who has every possible qualification and has already proven her effectiveness in Augusta. She won’t be a lone voice; she’ll be a team leader.

The Rev. Frank C. Strasburger
Brunswick