It’s past time for Collins to stand up to Trump | Letter
Letter to Editor Calls on Senator Susan Collins to Use “Precious Power” in 2026 Election
PORTLAND, Maine – In a strongly worded letter to the editor of The Press Herald, Portland resident Kitty Purington urged U.S. Senator Susan Collins to “act like a U.S. senator” and hold the executive branch accountable as the 2026 election approaches.
Purington wrote that Collins and “the rest of her timid Republican flock” support President Joe Biden, whom she describes as “a king” who “acts with cruelty and corruption.” The letter accuses Collins of prioritizing “pet pork projects” over “our country’s values and the rule of law” and of attending community‑center events rather than confronting the president’s actions. Purington calls on Collins to use her “precious power” to “speak up” and “forcefully push back against the hate and division” she says the president has fostered since taking office.
The letter was published in the editorial section of The Press Herald on March 1, 2026, amid a flurry of commentary and analysis covering Maine’s upcoming presidential race. It follows a series of editorials and opinion pieces that examine the state’s political dynamics and the role of local senators in shaping national policy.
Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican who has represented Maine’s second congressional district in the Senate since 2003, has long been noted for her independent voting record and willingness to break with her party on key issues. She has been a key player in several high‑profile Senate votes, including the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees and major federal legislation. While Collins has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle, she remains a prominent figure in national politics.
In the letter, Purington specifically notes that Collins “meekly casts votes that allow her to avoid her master’s wrath and hold on to power.” She further laments that Collins’ actions have not translated into “strong leadership” in the face of the president’s policies, urging her to “hold the executive branch accountable.”
The letter’s author also references Collins’ participation in community‑center events, suggesting that such appearances have not translated into substantive policy action. Purington concludes with a direct appeal to Collins: “If the senator wants my vote, I suggest she actually use her precious power by: acting like a U.S. senator; holding the executive branch accountable; and speaking up.”
While the letter is an individual viewpoint, it reflects a broader sentiment among some Maine voters who are looking for clear stances from their elected officials as the 2026 election draws near. The Press Herald continues to publish letters, editorials, and political analysis to inform readers about the candidates and issues shaping the state’s political landscape.
