Your responses to the Jan. 5 ABC debates

Keep them coming folks! I will accept them until the end of the day Monday. Posted in the order that they are received. Please include your name, town, and preferred candidate if you have one, or party affiliation.

From Steve Martin of Amity, Maine, a Ron Paul supporter:

I thought it was great to see Dr. Paul--the strongest Republican fund raiser FINALLY get nearly equal time in a national debate. The other debates have been so heavily skewed to the so-called "front runners" that the front runner of the tens of thousands of people who support Ron Paul's campaign by giving the $20s and $50s and $100s they really can't afford to give (as opposed to the huge corporate donations that largely fund the others' campaigns) has finally had a chance to be heard. When people hear the message, invariably they agree with it. But before tonight, it was very difficult for people to hear it… Read more here.

From: Dick Bernard, Former Maine State Democratic Committee member , now a resident of Grants Pass, Oregon

The Republicans are clearly lightweights. They are destined to play the fear card throughout the campaign. The Democrats actually think. They are articulate. Edwards attacked Clinton; Obama stayed loose. Clinton showed mettle and proved she can fight back. Richardson rose to the occasion, probably gained points... Read more here.

From Carol Schiller of Portland, Maine, a Hillary Clinton supporter

How surprising to hear John Edwards as a male candidate in a male domainted political arena charge that Senator Hillary Clinton represents the status quo. Women are 51 percent of the American population yet have only a minority role in our government. I find this charge “interesting”. Women young, old and middle age now have the opportunity to change the status quo. Senator Clinton is apart of the 51 percent. As a mother and woman she understands the problems and concerns of women in America. It’s time to change the male status quo in American politics and elect Senator Clinton.,Vote for Change! Vote for Hillary! Visit: http://www.hillaryforme.blogspot.com/

From Peter Tucker of Augusta, Maine, a Ron Paul supporter

I thought the debate was a set up. Everybody knows Ron Paul opposes the war, so that was a lot of the focus. It was noted that when Ron Paul spoke, that the camera was at an angle so everyone could see another candidate making facial expressions in a negative way about what Ron Paul was saying. In addition he was interrupted and it was allowed. He didn't get the chance to respond like the other candidates. I'm not saying that other candidates didn't get a share of some tough moments, but all the other candidates were obviously ready to make Ron Paul's ideas of getting out of the war look ridiculous. In addition they made fun of his answer that saving a nearly a trillion dollars by bringing the troops home from around the world and closing the military bases, can be used to help the poor and health care needs, seem silly… read more here.