I am writing in support of Shenna Bellows for U.S. Senate and Senator Eloise Vitelli for the Maine State Senate. Both Bellows and Vitelli are Democrats who, in marrow and bone, stand for the economic well being of all U.S. citizens, not just the wealthy few.

Here are two facts to bring to the ballot box:

1. Between 1993 and 2012, the real incomes of the 1 percent grew 86.1 percent. Incomes of the 99 percent grew 6.6 percent, according to the study based on Internal Revenue Service statistics.

2. Federal minimum wage has failed to keep up with inflation over the last 40 years. Had that been the case, the wage would be $10.40/hr. Minimum wage in Maine is just $7.50; twenty five cents over the federal wage.

If you are concerned about the widening disparity of wealth, and whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, understand that a Republican led congress and state legislature has no interest in working toward authentic financial equality. None.

Please consider casting your vote for two women who do have such born and bred intention, in marrow and bone: Bellows and Vitelli.

Martha W. Hulbert
Woolwich