Last week, I wrote an op-ed critical of how the Maine Democratic Party managed the process for election of delegates who would be responsible for selecting the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate (“Troy Jackson’s pending victory feels more of a coronation,” July 23). What a difference a week makes.

While a process that results in a wider field of candidates in the mix remains my preference, I
now regard the tremendous groundswell of support that Troy Jackson was able to generate in the
county caucuses as proof that he is the right candidate.

Troy was alone in his ability to harness the movement and motivation of voters that had so energized Mainers. I regard that to be a remarkable achievement. Voters recognized in him the qualities of character, conviction and capacities essential to the election of a Democrat from Maine to the U.S. Senate in November.  

On a more personal note, I must admit that observing how my son, Jordan Wood, conducted
himself this past few weeks has had a huge impact on me. He was a direct casualty of the imperfect process … and yet, he rallied to enthusiastically support Troy’s nomination.

I have learned to trust his political instincts. At great risk to his own candidacy, Jordan was the first and only candidate in the running last fall to call for Graham Platner to step aside.

Jordan knows Troy. He has great admiration for Troy as a person and as a candidate. He believes he would be an excellent senator for Maine and for the country. That’s persuasive for me.