We’re now starting to learn who will be running for president in 2016. Republicans have an extraordinary number of people with wildly divergent opinions on how a president should govern. Future debates will sort out the final Republican positions.

It appears now the only Democrat candidate will be Hillary Clinton. No one is actively stepping up to challenge her. If this continues, Democrats will be left with unchallenged positions. Clinton is too “Wall Streetish” for me! I’m an unapologetic progressive and would prefer Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but recognize she won’t run. Here are some populist ideas that should be debated:

• Debt free college education.

• Expanded Social Security benefits.

• Reducing big money influence in politics.

• Breaking up the too big to fail Wall Street Banks.

• Working families to share in the economic growth they helped to create.

The only one I have heard that might challenge Clinton and could debate the issues is former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Richard Metayer

Mystic