Letter to Susan Collins, US Senator - Debates

Letter

Dear Sen. Collins,

I admired the 10 debates you and Rep. Tom Allen held throughout the course of the 2008 Senate campaign. I write today to invite you to that same series of 10 debates, including several hosted by television and radio outlets, over the coming months. Maine voters want and deserve full engagement from their elected officials and candidates. I believe we have both an opportunity and an obligation to offer that engagement between now and November.

As you know, voter confidence in Congress is at a near-record low. Mainers are concerned about the future and want to know who will stand with them every time on the issues that matter most. Hearing directly from you and me, unfiltered by spin, is the best way for them to make that choice. You committed to speaking directly with the people of our great state in 2008, and I hope you and I will take that same opportunity.

Our democracy works best when candidates speak directly to voters, answer their questions, and offer a positive vision for how to make Maine an even better place to live. A campaign without that direct contact and without those questions being answered would be unworthy of the people we both hope to serve. You and I have different ideas about Social Security reform, student loans, marijuana legalization, the scope of our national security state and many other issues important to people of Maine. Voters should have multiple opportunities to hear our ideas and decide for themselves who better represents their values and their interests.

We are currently in contact with multiple hosting venues and look forward to an open, productive discussion with you about scheduling and format. My campaign manager, Katie Mae Simpson, is ready to serve as a point of contact with your staff. You can reach her at kmsimpson@bellowsforsenate.com.

Very respectfully,

Shenna Bellows

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