Mainers outnumbered by voter registration are starting to come out of the closet in anticipation of the 2026 midterm election. In the context of a rising tide of federal revitalization and initiative and Democrat opposition in an obvious state of disarray, our state is primed to close the narrowing popularity gap evident in the November polling. An educated population generally credited with Downeast common sense has the opportunity to reclaim the Blaine House and avoid perpetuation of one-sided legislative thinking. The newsworthy national background of change from passive, reactive custodianship to energetic, proactive administration sets the stage for similar state-level results. Historical party branding has been negated by replacement of old-guard preservationist politicians with more youthful, forward-looking administrators more attuned to economic sustainability and growth. Candidate persona and honest messaging have become more meaningful than party labels. The opportunistic coup de grace is provided by our governor’s imprudent dust-up confrontation with the new folks in Washington. With all the serious issues facing our country, her widely publicized indiscretion over a relatively low-profile matter is unworthy of a leader of what can again be the United States. Phil Osifer