In Owen Casas' paid ad, "A heartfelt thanks to Joan Welsh's supporters and everyone who rises above negative politics," he blames Kathleen for letters he deems negative. I am very much displeased that he used my name in connection with his assertion that Kathleen has encouraged her supporters to write what he perceives to be "jabs" at him, "full on attacks at me" (him), or "displayed half truth or completely false statements". Nothing could be further from the truth.

I have reviewed the letters to the editor supporting Kathleen. There are 19 since August and 13 before the primary. I cannot find any attacks on him. One letter stating concerns about Owen's favorable statements about the marines is the only one that may come close and that writer was unknown to Kathleen. It expresses concerns about militarism, not uncommon.

People do have concerns about his ability to balance the many duties he faces being a Rockport Select Board member and serve adequately in the legislature. One letter stated that Kathleen was the only candidate for District 94 who attended the Waldo County forum. (It was due to his attending another municipal meeting.) That was certainly no attack.

These are the only two letters I can possibly see that may be causing him anxiety.

Kathleen has not spoken negatively about Owen at doors or in public. As in her debates, she focuses on her ideas for policy and duties as a legislator. If asked questions about his positions, she tells people to contact Owen. The people she has asked to write in her support have all written about her strong qualifications and the attributes she possesses.

Kathleen is the very person we need in Augusta to do the business of our district and our state. She is intelligent, a leader, a hard worker and will be very successful.

The above is not just my opinion. She has been endorsed by the following 10 organizations, all important in our state:

Maine Small Business Coalition
Equality Maine
Maine State Nurses Association
Maine Conservation Voters
Sierra Club
Maine Education Association
Maine State Employees Association
Planned Parenthood Maine
Maine AFL-CIO
Maine Peoples Alliance

I encourage you to join me in voting for Kathleen Meil.

Rep. Joan Welsh lives in Rockport.