It is important that we Mainers continue our strong support of the program that has so successfully shaped our current political environment and led to similar reforms in other places.

I live on an island, and my community is served by a ferry that goes three times a day.

In my home state of Maine, we've seen out-of-state groups with anonymous donors spend millions of dollars to campaign against issues that don't fit their agenda.

During the summer of 2009, the debate on health care reform was emotional and intense. At its best, it represented the free exchange of ideas that makes this country great. At its worst, it generated death threats and acts of violence.

Both of the parties' proposals fail to get at the heart of the problem, which is a complete lack of enforcement of the rules in Congress. Without credible enforcement, new rules are just more words.

It would make an enormous difference. It's a much higher hurdle to cross if everyone knows who you are talking to -- especially if there is a big vote in Congress the next day.