Most Americans agree that Congress must regulate how much money corporations and unions spend on electing candidates. Yet Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has voted against an amendment that would allow our Congress to do this. She says that amendment would be a restriction on speech. If “speech” means advertising, she is correct.

However, if speech means the opportunity for us to be able to speak to our senators she is wrong. Collins herself is spending her time listening to corporations outside Maine who have contributed over $1.9 million to her campaign. She is not hearing the reforms Maine citizens need.

By contrast I have seen Democrat Shenna Bellows listen to what people say. Anyone who believes in campaign finance reform should help her get elected. We need Shenna’s fresh strong voice for in the Senate.

Joseph de Rivera
Brunswick