The virtue of independent thinking February 26, 2021 on Editorials, Opinion Sen. Susan Collins’ vote to convict former president Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial did not go over well with state Republican Party leadership. Party Chairwoman Demi Kouzounas and members of the Maine Republican State Committee, including Hancock County leadership, expressed their outrage in a letter to Collins. They wrote to “condemn in the strongest possible terms” Collins’ vote, reiterating their belief that the trial was unconstitutional and outlining concerns about the impeachment process. The Senator was well familiar with their concerns as she met with county leadership prior to the trial and heard from countless constituents. The letter writers thank Collins for listening and for her long commitment to the state but say that they cannot stand silently by in the wake of Collins’ decision. No one expects them to.