Susan Collins rebuked in Maine press for trying to distract from real issues

The Kennebec Journal blasted Susan Collins for trying to make attendance one of the major issues in her re-election campaign:

While Collins' attendance record is an accomplishment, it's a big stretch to propose that it should provide a significant basis for evaluation of her record. Conversely, short of Allen missing a large number of votes -- say 10 percent or more -- we don't think his attendance record is a substantial issue.

Attendance at votes speaks nothing about the substance of those votes. And in the end, what Maine voters should focus on in this race and others are not diversionary tactics, but where candidates have stood and now stand on significant issues such as the economy, health care and the war in Iraq.

Clearly, this is a typical GOP distraction from the real issues. Tom didn't miss that many votes -- and he always votes the right way.

But, Susan's big issue is apparently her perfect attendance. Twelve years in the Senate and that's the best she can do? It's pathetic. And, as the Kennebec Journal notes, it's very "high school." Maybe she should have missed a couple of votes: