Editor:
    Tom Allen has made us proud in the first Congressional district, and, for the new Congress that meets in 11 months, my choice for not missing a beat for strong and intelligent advocacy is Mark Lawrence.
    Mark has York County roots, being the youngest of four sons of a shipyard worker.  He went to public schools before earning degrees at Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, working as a lobsterman and in the factories to get himself through college.
    He made history by winning election to the Maine House in 1988, becoming only the second Democrat elected from Kittery since the Civil War.  Four years later, he won election to the Maine Senate, and was elected Majority Leader after just one term.  He was twice unanimously elected to be president of the Senate, a position second only to the governor.
    Mark is currently serving as district attorney to the nearly 200,000 citizens of York County, a post for which he has won election three times.  He has organized the department to maximize effectiveness in the prosecution for domestic violence offenses, and has worked to create a program to treat juveniles guilty of arson.
    Mark’s record of public service is long, especially in pursuit of civil rights, civil justice, and environmental protection.  He is troubled by many actions of this administration, and his strong legal background, history of leadership, and respect for the Constitution provide the experience and qualities necessary to demand accountability of policymakers in Washington.
    Mark, his wife, and two children live in South Berwick.  I write to remind local citizens of his exemplary qualities and record.  I urge you to join me in choosing him to be our next congressman.

Christopher W. Babbidge
Kennebunk