Dear Editor:

I first met Holly Stover when she drove down our driveway before the election two years ago. She struck me as a smart and compassionate woman who took seriously her commitment to represent the people in her district and across Maine. 

I am the father of two daughters, and have two granddaughters. Extreme, unthinkable laws in other states politicize women’s healthcare rights and enable the exploitation of children. Women are forced to bring incest and rape pregnancies to term, and must drive hundreds of miles for the care we see in Maine as normal. Project 2025, and statements of extremist legislators and judges all the way to the Supreme Court, aim to further remove protections for women and for children. 

Holly helped pass H.P. 857, which when enacted will preempt legislation to regulate a person’s decision to terminate her pregnancy. She has been a strong advocate for victims of sexual assault, and co-sponsored multiple bills to protect women and young girls from sexual exploitation. 

She has also fought hard for our fishermen and veterans, and addressed climate-based flooding and school gun safety. All of these affect the women of Maine and their families. Holly Stover is an important voice in our community and our state and she has my vote.

John G. Ives

South Bristol