| Rock the Vote |
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| Written by Jenny Crawford | |
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The race for Senate this November will be the toughest Maine has seen in a long time, in part because of the economic issues the United States is facing. So, how will you vote this election? It may sound like a hard decision, but it's your duty as a citizen of Maine and the United States to use your right to vote. The two nominees running for Senate this year are Susan Collins, who grew up in Aroostook County and has been one of Maine's U.S. Senators since 1997, and Tom Allen, a U.S. Congressman since 1996 from the Portland area.
Although all around the country citizens are having financial difficulties, both Collins and Allen are ready to stand up for Mainers and fight for change. At a debate held in Portland on Oct. 9, both candidates said that they agreed with the $700 billion economic rescue package. Collins said that as far back as the Clinton administration, there were warnings of financial troubles concerning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. She alleged that Allen voted against two amendments that would have strengthened the bill that tightened regulations on mortgages.Allen said the bigger problem is the Bush economic policies, which he says drove up the national debt. Collins and Allen are both facing major challenges this campaign. Not only is the stock market in bad shape, but until just a few weeks ago, fuel prices had climbed to more than $4 a gallon. Both candidates are actively trying to lower the impact these fuel prices are having on Maine residents. Tom Allen has a plan to give up to a $2,000 tax credit for Maine families to help with the huge cost of heating homes during the winter months. He also wants to give families low interest loans to weatherize their homes. If elected, he would work toward getting funding to support research on wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energy projects. Susan Collins supported the 2005 energy bill that brought energy relief to the Northeast. Since then, however, she has not implemented a plan to bring relief to our region. She also introduced legislation that would increase the funding for the Department of Energy Weatherization Program, which could reach $1.4 billion by 2010. If you're a student, whether it be college or high school, what does this vote have to do with you? A whole lot, actually. The candidate you choose will be in the Senate for six years, which is long after you graduate. So what does each candidate offer you? Susan Collins has helped the University of Maine System get most of more than $100 million in funding for research and development in Maine. This research has led to new businesses in Maine that employ college graduates who normally would have left the state. Tom Allen wants to increase resources that are available to community colleges and expand the education tax credit so that more students can take advantage of it. He also plans to invest in getting research and development grants for universities. Last year, Tom Allen voted for the largest increase in financial aid in decades. These candidates seem to see eye to eye on the big issues, but not necessarily on how to solve them. Although they cover the same issues in almost every debate, they each bring exciting things to the table. This has been a reassuring race that has restored a bit of confidence in every Mainer. |
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