The quadrennial process of national elections is almost over, thank goodness.
The candidates are exhausted. Most of us are tired of hearing from them and about them.
I now know many of the political ads by heart, yet I do not feel much enlightened by them.
Nonetheless, vote we must. On the theory that there is too much information available on the candidates for national office and too little regarding state office, I am devoting this column to endorsing several good, moderate candidates in southern Maine for the state Legislature.
As many of you know, I believe what is most lacking at the state Legislature are capable people whose views on the economy, education and health care policy could be termed moderate, whatever their party affiliation.
Moderates are more likely to be able to make appropriate, if difficult, decisions on these issues.
Let's start with the candidates for the state Senate.
We are fortunate here in two respects. First, the Senate, unlike the House, is likely to be closely balanced between Democrats and Republicans, giving moderates the opportunity to be the swing votes on key issues. Moreover, in southern Maine, at least, we have several excellent candidates who are moderates.
Two incumbents stand out: Bill Diamond, D-Windham, and Barry Hobbins, D-Saco. Both are seasoned, able legislators.
As they both showed on the budget last session, they stand their ground on tough issues and often bring their party to a better result. They deserve to be re-elected.
Two newcomers also deserve to take a place in the Senate: Jeanne Hulit, a Falmouth Democrat, and Tom Dunne, a Cape Elizabeth Republican.
Both are bright, articulate business people with a strong interest in and commitment to public policy.
Hulit is a banker who understands how to balance tax and economic policy.
Dunne is more of a business-public policy wonk who served as the first director of Dirigo Health and has written persuasively about the ways that program failed to live up to its early promise. They both would bring energy and independence to the Senate.
A final Senate candidate from this area, Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat, also deserves to go to Augusta.
While more of a progressive than a moderate, Alfond has shown a willingness to tackle difficult problems with creative solutions.
Alfond, along with Cliff Ginn, headed the grass-roots campaign that led to the referendum approval of Opportunity Maine, a novel and important program that provides tax credits to Maine students to pursue higher education.
We need more of this kind of talent in Augusta.
When we turn our attention to candidates for the House, unfortunately, there are fewer good moderates to recommend. House districts are much smaller and tend to be more partisan.
In fact, as I have argued in previous columns, we would be well-served by significantly reducing the number of representatives much in the same way the governor is trying to reduce school districts. But more on that in another column.
As for House endorsements, there are three candidates who have the capability and the political courage to balance appropriate partisanship with good policy.
First is an incumbent, Meredith Burgess, R-Cumberland. Burgess is that rare small-business owner whose commitment to public service drew her into state politics in the last Legislature.
She got a real trial by fire on the Education Committee, having to deal with the lengthy and often incendiary debate on school consolidation. Through it all, Burgess persevered to help develop a sensible consolidation plan and managed to keep her sense of humor.
Two House newcomers also have the capability to add much in Augusta.
Mary Nelson of Falmouth (District 112) and Joan Cohen of Portland (District 113) are both Democrats.
Nelson has long experience in local politics and many...
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