What seems to be lost in the rhetoric about the presidential contest is the role Congressional paralysis has played in aggravating the very real struggles so many Americans are reacting against.  On Barack Obama’s first day in office the Republican leadership famously vowed that they would oppose everything he favored, including policies originally proposed by Republicans.  Government cannot function without compromise.  Refusing to talk is refusing to govern.

While it matters enormously, especially this year, who is elected president, it also matters enormously which party controls the Senate and the House.  Down-ballot contests have consequences.  We need a two-party system in which opposing arguments can be thrashed out to find common ground.

This is also true in Maine.  We have a governor whose angry outbursts and profane language frequently get him national media attention.  When people disagree with him, he responds by vowing never again to talk with either the media or the legislators.  Governor LePage needs a legislature with the political courage to rein him in.  His party, with a few worthy exceptions, has not mustered that courage.

The Republican party needs to heal itself.  If they are to correct the political climate they’ve allowed to turn so ugly, Republicans need to lose elections, up and down ballot. 

Here in Knox County, we are fortunate to have strong Democratic candidates who have the strength of character to listen, to learn from others, and to move conversations toward viable solutions.  The candidates we know well are Dave Miramant for state senate and Emily Trask-Eaton, Ellie Goldberg, and Pinny Beebe-Center for state representatives.  Dave and Pinny are seeking and deserve second terms.  Emily and Ellie are new.  These are bright, capable people who care deeply about creating solutions for Maine.  Please give them a chance to show what they can do for us.

Bruce and Sherry Cobb live in Union