Former Senator Mitchell Regrets Epstein Ties

Contributions to public life outweigh unfortunate association, says letter writer.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A letter writer defends former Sen. George Mitchell, arguing that his many positive contributions to public life outweigh his regrettable association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The writer says Mitchell has stated he regrets knowing Epstein, but that does not erase the good Mitchell has accomplished throughout his career.

Why it matters

Mitchell, a former U.S. Senator and diplomat, has faced scrutiny over his ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This letter aims to provide context and perspective on Mitchell's legacy, arguing that his overall record of public service should not be overshadowed by this unfortunate connection.

The details

The letter writer, Robert Stevens of Freeport, Maine, praises Mitchell's "knowledge, skills and dedication to making lives better" through his work. Stevens says Mitchell has stated he regrets knowing Epstein, who was skilled at "playing on these natural desires" for appreciation. The writer argues Mitchell's name should not be "erased" due to this association.

  • The letter was published on February 27, 2026.

The players

George Mitchell

A former U.S. Senator and diplomat who has faced scrutiny over his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who the letter writer says was skilled at "playing on" people's "natural desires" for appreciation.

Robert Stevens

The letter writer, a resident of Freeport, Maine, who is defending Mitchell's legacy and arguing his contributions outweigh his association with Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing I've read about Sen. Mitchell, related to the Epstein papers, suggests he has any connection with or knew about what evil Epstein had done and was doing when he joined others in wishing Epstein happy birthday, and thanking him for the good that he had done and brought to his life.”

— Robert Stevens, Letter writer (pressherald.com)

“We all like to feel good and appreciated and Epstein was a genius in playing on these natural desires. Sen. Mitchell has stated he regrets having known Epstein. I suspect a lot of us can say that about things we've done. That doesn't erase all the good that Sen. Mitchell has done with his life. Let's not erase his name.”

— Robert Stevens, Letter writer (pressherald.com)

The takeaway

This letter provides important context and perspective on the legacy of former Sen. George Mitchell, arguing that his many positive contributions to public life should not be overshadowed by his regrettable association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The writer makes a compelling case that Mitchell's record of service outweighs this unfortunate connection.