Obviously Mark Ellis is the right guest to talk with you about this.

I'm just astonished by the vitriol I am reading here, toward Mills and anyone w/ anything nice to say about her. I know people are angry at Joe Biden. But that's no excuse for hostile age-ism of a sort that would be intolerable in other contexts. If BlueSky is just lefty X, I'm signing off. 3/3

I'm not saying age isn't a valid factor as Maine Democrats decide whom to support in their senate primary. It's one of many things to think about and, yes, there's value in generational change. But the wisdom one acquires with age and experience is also something to consider. 2/3

And (re your post about healthcare and your dad) if you do bother to google me you will see that I am quite active in that ream, largely because of my daughter's $400,000 annual pharmacy bill.

Fair enough. I'm pretty google-able, though, if you are curious. I've always recoiled against the idea of damning whole groups of people based on what generation they belong to - as if generations really exist as coherent or cohesive subgroups.

With respect: not letting people "pass laws they won't have to feel the impacts of" is an indefensible position. Do you really think I'm indifferent to the fate of my kids and their kids and indeed civilization itself? Conversely, should it be okay for younger people to wipe out my Social Security?

No I am saying that most older people acquire wisdom and judgment with age -- just not me.

Never. I'm losing my patience and kindness as I get older and the world around me grows ever more coarse (as amply demonstrated by this very thread). I intend to retire at the end of my term as Consumer Advocate in late 2027 and fade into obscurity.

You got me. Totally guilty of the two-space thing. And at age 67, I'm sure I have plenty of beliefs I cling to reflexively and should not seek elective office. I just think Janet Mills has earned a respectful hearing, even among those who prefer a younger person.

okay, fair enough. I (obviously) also care about what happens in the Maine senate election. I just abhor the vehemence with which people are criticizing Gov. Mills here; she doesn't deserve it. Also: I'm sorry you are muting me, Professor; I am still your fan.

Oh. Well, I shall remain your fan, and will even preorder your book, no matter what you say about this. To me this argument is last-case bias -- Joe Biden was not up to beating Trump so all elders in politics must exit the stage. That's regrettable.

Really? Based on what? People acquire wisdom and judgment with age.

Professor, I can't believe I shocked you into silence. My quibble is with vehement opposition to someone who has such a long and distinguished record, just because she's older than you (or me). I personally see the appeal of both Plattner and Mills. But Mills simply doesn't deserve your hostility.

Right now I will just point out just two things. First, my independence as Consumer Advocate is my superpower. Second, in February I will celebrate ten years as Consumer Advocate, and when you do a job like this for that long, taking ratepayer interests seriously, I guess you make a few enemies.

— specifies that the main duty of the OCA is to advocate for “reliable energy sources,” which is code for fossil fuels and nuclear power,
— reduces our tiny workforce of six people down to four.

Instead the new version of HB 610:
— makes it so that the Consumer Advocate essentially serves at the pleasure of the Governor,
— abolishes the requirement that the Consumer Advocate be a lawyer … i.e., an actual advocate, . . .