Susan Collins has served our state with distinction for 12 years in the U.S. Senate. On Nov. 4, voters should enthusiastically return Maine’s Republican junior senator to office for a third term.

Democratic activists, in this campaign season, have attempted to brand Collins as marching in lockstep with Republicans and soon-to-be-former President George W. Bush, whose popularity across America has plummeted over the past couple of years, whatever the issue. They conveniently ignore reality in doing so.

In rating after rating in recent years, Collins has received among the highest approval ratings accorded to any of the 100 U.S. senators. Time after time, she has demonstrated a willingness and an ability to work with Senate colleagues across the political aisle to get things done. Her accomplishments, particularly in matters of national security, are well-documented. She joined with Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, a Democrat-turned-independent, to lead the successful effort to reorganize the federal intelligence community, creating a director of national intelligence and a National Counterterrorism Center and addressing border and transportation security concerns.

She worked with Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, on efforts to improve port and chemical plant security, and was part of a bipartisan effort leading to reform of the Inspector General’s offices.

This newspaper has differed with Collins on some issues but those differences have done nothing to diminish our respect for her performance. Her steadfast refusal to miss a Senate vote, no matter what the circumstances may be, is admirable. It’s unfortunate that few other members of either House or Senate are equally conscientious about their obligations.

Collins is an ardent advocate when it comes to ensuring that Maine gets its share of federal funds. But she opposes the secrecy that has prevailed for years when it comes to the attachment of what have come to be known as “earmarks” on appropriations bills.

Some Maine voters may believe that the well-documented failings of Republicans in Congress and the Bush administration are reason enough to reject Collins in favor of her Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Tom Allen. We disagree.

Citizens of this state, and this country, are not well-served by partisan ideologues whose first priority is the acquisition of power by his or her political party. While, by most accounts, Rep. Allen has served diligently during his 12 years in Congress, there is scant evidence that his votes stray from the party line.

Susan Collins is, first and foremost, her own person. Her seniority, her demonstrated talents and her willingness to seek consensus will continue to be of considerable value to Maine and to the nation. We hope, and we expect, that a majority of Maine voters will concur on Nov. 4 and send her back to the Senate.