The Other Debate: Michaud-Hamel

Last night I attended the debate between Democratic incumbent Mike Michaud and Republican challenger Brian Hamel which took place at the Waterville Opera House.

I came away thinking that Michaud is the worste kind of Democrat-> an anti-NAFTA protectionist populist, in the pocket of a few labor special interests and his Congressional superiors like Nancy Pelosi. By the way, he also makes George W. Bush look like the Great Communicator.

Hamel on the otherhand was an articulate advocate for a pro-business economic policy that would create the jobs and wealth that Maine and the country need.

There should be no doubt that Hamel won the debate. I only hope that Maine voters pay attention to the issues (where Hamel is the clear choice) and can ignore the divisive, us vs. them, Mill worker rhetoric that has given Michaud the lead he enjoys in the polls thus far.