Independent Bid for Maine Governor Garners Republican Support
Rick Bennett, a current State Senator, is vying for the governorship of Maine as an independent candidate, yet his campaign is predominantly fueled by contributions from Republican donors and operatives, including associates of former Governor Paul LePage.
Maine’s political landscape has a history of electing independents to prominent positions. Notably, Angus King, one of the only two independents in the U.S. Senate, served as Maine’s governor from 1995 to 2003. Similarly, independent candidate Eliot Cutler secured a strong second-place finish in the 2010 governor’s race.
Bennett’s candidacy as an independent is somewhat unconventional given his political history. He served as vice chair of the Maine Republican Party from 2013 to 2017 and has pursued and held various offices under the GOP banner. His departure from the Republican Party came last year, coinciding with the launch of his gubernatorial campaign.
In his campaign introduction video, Bennett articulated his vision: “We need leaders who will work with anyone—Republican, Democrat, or independent—to ease the financial pressure on families. That’s why I’m running as an independent.”
Financial backing for Bennett’s campaign reveals substantial Republican support. Maine Wins Together, the main super PAC endorsing Bennett, is largely financed by affluent Republican donors.
This year, Gray and Sandra Bahre, who inherited wealth from an auto-racing business, contributed $50,000 to the PAC. They have a history of donating to Republican causes, including $14,000 to LePage’s congressional campaign and additional contributions to LePage and the Maine Republican Party amounting to nearly $50,000.
Another significant donation of $50,000 to Maine Wins Together came from Paul Coulombe, a prominent figure in the liquor industry. Coulombe’s history of political contributions includes $160,000 to the Maine Republican Party in 2014 and support for LePage’s unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
Former Governor Paul LePage, who has described himself as “Donald Trump before Donald Trump,” is known for his extreme positions and controversial statements. His tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019 included a notable refusal to expand Medicaid, despite a voter mandate.
Bennett’s historical ties to LePage include campaigning with him in 2010 and participating in his transition team. LePage also endorsed Bennett for a role in the Trump administration’s State Department.
Campaign finance records disclose that Bennett receives strategic advice from Election Hive, a consulting firm based in Utah with ties to Republican initiatives. The firm has previously worked with Senator Mike Lee, regarded by the Institute for Legislative Analysis as the most conservative senator in 2024.
Facing Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles in the upcoming election, Bennett currently trails in public support. A recent poll by the Siena Research Institute shows him with just 8% backing.
The post Bennett’s campaign fueled by Republican donors despite independent label appeared first on American Journal News.
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