What's wrong with Jared Golden? Plenty

Congressman Jared Golden, a back bencher, has distinguished himself once again by being the sole Democrat to vote against the “Build Back Better” bill in the House. Golden has a habit of voting against Democrats, starting with his vote against Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. 

Golden is catering to “know-nothing” Trump voters of the Second District. He finds fault a provision favoring well-to-do homeowners and has taken the stance of a deficit hawk. Instead of explaining as a leader how “Build Back Better” addresses the serious needs of the rural Second District, Golden has prioritized his perfect over the good. 


If some Maine Democrat doesn’t mount a primary challenge to Golden, then the party is moribund and devoid of leadership and imagination. In spite of his incumbency, it is hard to see how Golden can win reelection, having alienated a significant number of Democratic voters. A primary fight will make the division even more apparent. 


Meanwhile, Bruce Poliquin, his likely Republican opponent and former 2nd District Congressman whom Golden beat by a hair, is an honest to goodness real Republican and has the benefit of name recognition. It is hard to see that it makes any difference whether Poliquin or Golden is elected. You either gat a make believe Republican or a real Republican. 

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