Washington ? Citizens believe corporate greed is influencing the high cost of prescription drugs and cutting into people’s retirement savings, the Democratic candidate for the Senate from Maine said Saturday in her party’s radio address.

Chellie Pingree said Maine residents ask her why pharmaceutical companies are blocking reforms to help them pay for expensive prescription drugs. She said others are worried that corporate scandals will hurt their life’s savings.

“By introducing new criminal penalties for CEOs who act illegally, Democrats have made it clear: We’re on the side of the American families, taxpayers, investors and businesses that pay their fair share and play by the rules,” Pingree said.

Pingree said Democrats will try to reduce prescription drug costs, strengthen Social Security and hold companies accountable.

“We’ll close the loopholes that allow the big corporations to avoid their responsibilities and shelter taxes overseas,” said Pingree, who is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins.