To the editor:

It registered like an 8 on the Richter scale or line a Category 5 hurricane.

“I will not seek re-election,” Sen. Olympia Snowe reported.

She said what we all know. Washington is broken. A 33-year career public servant has come to realize that Congress has become polarized and nothing to help is on the horizon.

The realization that partisan sniping in the Senate will not likely change led Snowe to a conclusion that committing to another sixyear term was something she couldn’t abide.

She has been one to look both sides of the aisle and has served honorably this state and the country. She will be recorded as one of this country great ones.

Now what?

We are now looking at the most expensive election in Maine’s history. With the arrival of super PACs, it will be the money, not the best candidate, that occupy our Senate seat. Add the National Republican Committee, National Democratic Committee and both state party committees to private donors who will expect a reward for their contributions.

Those with very, very deep pockets will have their person in place to do their business. All in the U.S. Congress owe their positions to big money benefactors.

There is a race car shop in North Carolina with a motto that says, “Money buys speed.” Now, deep pockets buys Senate seats.

I thank Sen. Olympia Snowe for a job well done. She will be missed.

David S. Kaler,
Bath

letters@timesrecord.com