I would offer the following in response to Porter Leighton’s endorsement of Paul LePage and denigration of Mike Michaud and Eliot Cutler (“Letter to the editor: LePage has best pedigree to lead state as governor,” Sept. 26).

I believe that each individual has a compelling life story that should be admired and respected.

Unfortunately, Mr. Leighton asks us to draw a distinction of a candidate’s worth between a lawyer, a forklift operator and a turnaround specialist. By inference, the lawyer and forklift operator have little or no worth.

Mr. Leighton points out that Michaud is only a high school graduate who operated a forklift. My father went only to the eighth grade, held a low-wage job, was a person of values and saw that his children graduated from college. By Mr. Leighton’s standards, he would have been a person of little worth.

Mr. Leighton asks us to draw a distinction of a candidate’s worth by what he does rather than who he/she is. This is a “class distinction” that ignores the individual’s accomplishments and value as a person.

I would suggest that Mr. Leighton get out more and meet some “real people” from all walks of life. I’m sure he would find this a broadening and enriching experience. In his words: “Sounds like a ‘no-brainer’ to me.”

Al Butler

Cumberland

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