How much more of U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s voting with Republicans on House bills — which eliminate funding for blind and hearing-impaired people in our public libraries; eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion protections; and encourage the use of plastic in the legislative chambers — are we as Maine Democrats going to stand for?

His failure to support the Democratic Party and his adoration of former President Trump demonstrate that — should he win reelection to Maine’s second congressional district in the fall of 2024 — he be rigorously challenged in the primary by a true Democrat in 2026. And, if Golden loses his race this fall, Democrats across the state should remember his Susan Collins-like chameleon exploits and never allow him a party spot anywhere on a Maine ballot again.

It seems very clear that Golden is simply setting himself up for a run at Susan Collins’ seat in the Senate or the Maine governorship in 2026, after attempting to win his House seat back in 2024. His failure to support/introduce bills while currently a U.S. congressional representative — which protect our environment from the ravages of vehicle emissions, protect our fish and wildlife, encourage solar and wind power generation over coal and oil, and affordable housing for all — are the reasons he is an unreliable Democrat.

Congressman Golden is not a benefit to the people of Maine and certainly not of value to the Democrats of Maine. Hopefully 2024 is the last time we see his name on the ballot.

David McKechnie
Saco