The recent election of a would-be authoritarian as president requires a potent response from our political leaders. So, even though I appreciated Gov. Mills’ pledge “to (do) everything in my power … to protect the future and the freedoms of Maine families,” I wish she had more forcefully addressed the dangers that lie ahead.

For example, California Gov. Newsom called for a special session of the legislature to “Trump-proof” state laws. Illinois Gov. Pritzker promised if “you come for my people, you come through me.” And Massachusetts Gov. Healey pledged that state police will not assist in mass deportations.

Since 1992, Democratic presidential candidates have invariably triumphed in Maine. In 2016, Clinton beat Trump by 50,000 votes. In 2020, Biden beat Trump by 74,000 votes. Harris is currently on track to beat Trump by 56,000 votes. Not only is Maine reliably “blue,” but voters have again and again resoundingly rejected Trump and Trumpism.

Mainers, in other words, expect to participate in the upcoming resistance. Moreover, if our governor wants to ensure that her successor, and the state legislature, remain Democratic, she must more explicitly pledge to protect immigrants and asylum seekers, the LGBTQ community, elders, poor and working-class families and the environment. And, she must be specific about how her words will lead to action.

The next four years will be hard. But we’re up to the challenge. Maine’s motto is, after all, “Dirigo” (“I lead”). The time is now for Gov. Mills to step up. We’re counting on her.

Mark Tappan
Portland