Sara Gideon

“When I think about Sen. Collins, I think she might have been different from the other people in Washington when she was first elected but I have to ask is that still the case.”

“We have been, obviously both in Maine and nationally, enmeshed in this false narrative that's based on a fear of immigrants, when in fact we are country founded by immigrants.”

“If we're going to come together and make real progress to improve the lives of people here in Maine and across the country, then we need new leadership. Because after 24 years in Washington, Sen. Collins has become part of that broken system, putting special interests and her political party first. And Mainers know it and feel it.”

“As senator, my focus will be on standing up for Mainers, especially when it comes to protecting our rights and fighting for our health care.”

“I'm proud to work toward a greener, more vibrant economy with Mainers and stakeholders across our region through Northeast Clean Energy Council's efforts.”

“Throughout my life, I've always believed that the sole purpose of public service is to improve the lives of the people around us. From the Freeport Town Council to serving as Speaker of the State House, I've kept that sense of purpose close to my heart - consistently and passionately asking myself how we make progress.”

“We know that greater participation in our democracy will make our government more responsible and make elected officials more representative of the people we serve. Making that participation easier while improving the integrity and security of our elections is something we should all be able to support.”

“In the age of term limits, unfortunately, you see power not in the people who are elected by the people, but instead more in the hands of the people who are working behind the scenes.”

“While I was serving on my town council, I was also volunteering in schools in my community helping to serve free breakfast. I quickly noticed that the same students were coming every day, and they were coming not because they had left the house too quickly and forgotten to eat, but often because there was no food at home.”

“After some of the most contentious years in state government, I've made it clear that I will, and can, work with anyone to get things done.”

“Maine farmers are critical to our state, and they deserve an advocate in the Senate.”

“Maine is the only state in the country to produce wild blueberries - the industry is central to our heritage and culture.”

“The fact is, even one Maine kid going hungry is one kid too many.”

“When I hear about Mainers rationing their medication or losing their life-savings despite being insured, I know our health care system requires major reform.”

“After 24 years in Washington, Senator Collins has become part of that broken system, putting special interests and her political party first. And Mainers know it and feel it.”

“For too long, Paul LePage tried to stand in the way of getting things done in Maine.”

“If you are willing to listen and if you are willing to sit around the table, sometimes especially with the people who you think you disagree with the most, it is still really possible to get things done.”

“As Speaker, I passed protections for Mainers with pre-existing conditions to prevent insurance companies from denying them coverage - that's the kind of leadership we need in Washington.”

“Failing to appropriately fund our schools creates more pressure on local communities who are forced to make up the state's shortfall by increasing property taxes.”

“While Senator Collins continues to put the Affordable Care Act - and protections for Mainers with pre-existing conditions - at risk, I've fought to protect and expand access to health care here in Maine.”