I have gotten over a brief (and extremely rare) period of discouragement that a vision for the state in its greatness has not been fully received.

So be it. We will prevail (hopefully in this election) because WE have a better way.

I didn't say I.

I feel great power, because I know what it takes for the state to excel. I've learned it from all of you, from studying other places and other successes, from my own background, by facing the truth of where we are at and asking continually, in a spirit of learning, how we can improve and get better.

Now I know.

Together, Maine is going to reach a place where we are the envy of the rest of the country. Honestly.

But this is what you must do. First, you must engage. You must engage in a way that is deeper and more meaningful than you have currently engaged. You must study what each of the candidates for Governor offers, and you must continue to study and study it until the choice becomes clear.

This is an assignment that you must follow.

Next, you must put aside excessive partisanship. Your belief in a great Maine must be strong. So strong that you will not allow infighting to deter you from being part of building that great Maine. That Maine that will lead the country and perhaps the world.

Make that commitment to yourself today. Do it, and see the power of what is unleashed and unveiled.

And this is what I am willing to do. Following my November 2005 accident in which I was hit by a pick-up truck while a pedestrian, I am poor. I am half-hobbled (but continue a full recovery). I am, however, not deterred. Many have been apathetic to or even ridiculed the efforts or the ideas. Some have embraced them.

I don't care. I know that we will be successful (hopefully sooner, perhaps later). Knowing what it takes to be successful is half way to getting it done. It's like if you know how to play the piano. You can play a piece anytime you would like (assuming you have access to a piano).

The United States, some feel, had almost a manifest destiny to become these 50 states. Maine has a similar destiny to lead the nation. Maine IS the way life should be. And will be increasingly so.

Those that are late to the table run the risk of being trampled (not literally!) by those that see it here and now.

Don't get trampled.

Which founding father was it who said, "Give me liberty or give me death"? I would never be close to that extreme, but I am just as determined.

Together, through joint sacrifice, we will prevail (though it may be possible that we still need to hit rock bottom first).

It is only a matter of time. Not if, but when.

I guarantee it.

Alex Hammer is an Independent candidate for Governor residing in Bangor. The campaign's website is www.hammer2006.politicalgateway.com.