To the Editor:
Only a spokesman for today’s Republican Party could characterize a vote to protect Maine’s poorest and neediest a “special interest.” (“Sen. Johnson you’ve put your special interest ahead of your constituents,” letter from Jim Carleton, LCN, 2/23/2012, Page 4). Is that a true conservative attitude, Mr. Carleton? I think not.
Chris Johnson did exactly what he was elected to do: vote for Maine’s people instead of the current Republican ideology of blaming the poor for budget shortfalls.
In case you didn’t notice, Mr. Carleton, Johnson won handily in a staunchly Republican district, running against a well-known – and well-liked – Republican candidate. That should indicate to you a change in public perception of the current radicalism of the GOP, a party that has waged war against common people all over the country: busting unions, passing ridiculous voting registration “reforms” aimed at keeping minorities and the elderly (who largely vote Democratic) away from the polls, granting tax breaks to the wealthy and paying for these by cutting services to the poor.
It just could be we’ll see more of the same this fall, and wouldn’t that be a shame?
Governor LePage might want to be more careful about cutting MaineCare, as he may need it in a couple years.
Bruce Bartrug, Nobleboro
