The ideology of Supreme Court nominees matters. Veering to the left or right can impact our basic rights, influence our daily lives and redefine our democracy.

Brett Kavanaugh was handpicked for his conservative ideology.

President Obama knew ideology mattered when he nominated a more moderate Merrick Garland to ease the court to the left after Justice Scalia’s death.

Mitch McConnell knew ideology mattered when, in an unprecedented move, he refused to have hearings or a vote on nominee Garland.

Candidate Trump knew it mattered when he publicized his list of potential Supreme Court nominees, providing a rallying cry for otherwise doubtful conservatives.

Mitch McConnell doubled down on the importance of ideology when he went nuclear, changing the required votes for Supreme Court nominees from 60 to a majority to confirm Justice Gorsuch, ending the check on extreme candidates.

Republicans campaign on the confirmation of conservative Justice Gorsuch.

Sen. Angus King responded to Kavanaugh’s appointment – “I am inclined to take him (Trump) at his word that he would find a nominee who meets his criteria – but his standards and mine are vastly different on these topics. I’ve voted against ideologically extreme judges who do not reflect Maine’s values a number of times before, and, if my research indicates that Judge Kavanaugh is another such nominee, I will not hesitate to do so again.”

Sen. Collins responds to her constituents with these words – “I do not, however, disqualify or approve judges because of their personal beliefs.”

She purposefully chooses not to consider that justices’ personal left or right interpretation of laws impact the daily lives of Mainers and all Americans. She hides behind the “intensity” of response to Kavanaugh’s nomination. Supreme Court justice ideology matters. Refusing to act upon its significance is either dangerously shortsighted, or Collins isn’t really a moderate senator.

Nadine Bangerter

Rockland