Political horse races aren’t won at the starting gate | Letter

The horses are in the starting gate. In one race, it’s Susan Collins versus Troy Jackson. In the
other, it’s Hannah Pingree, Bobby Charles and Rick Bennett.

From my perspective, Maine’s mainstream media — the Bangor Daily News, the Ellsworth
American and the Portland Press Herald — have already picked their winners. They appear to
be rooting for Jackson and Pingree while giving little attention to Rick Bennett’s campaign.
Even more troubling, they often write as though the outcomes are already decided.

I am reminded of the 1973 Kentucky Derby, when Secretariat came from well off the pace and
won going away in the stretch. The lesson is simple: races aren’t won at the starting gate.

It seems to me these campaigns have barely begun. We haven’t even reached the first turn.
With candidates offering sharply different levels of experience, records and visions for Maine,
voters still have plenty of time to evaluate them on their merits rather than accepting the
media’s early narrative.

The collapse of Graham Platner’s campaign should serve as a reminder of the importance of
looking beyond headlines, examining the facts and making thoughtful, independent
judgments instead of following the latest political enthusiasm. Elections matter.

As for me, I’m putting my money — and my support — on Susan Collins and Rick Bennett. And
it is not about picking winners, it is about how I will feel after casting my vote as to whether my
candidates are the best for Maine.

Lewis Payne
Brooksville

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Tagged: election 2026, governor's race 2026, letter to the editor, senate 2026