Independent Candidate Receives Strong Republican Financial Support in Maine Governor Race
State Senator Rick Bennett, an independent gubernatorial candidate in Maine, is notably backed by several Republican donors and strategists, including some closely tied to former Governor Paul LePage.
Maine has established a precedent for electing independents to key positions, with Angus King, an independent in the U.S. Senate, having served as the state’s governor from 1995 to 2003. Additionally, independent Eliot Cutler was a runner-up in the 2010 governor’s race.
Bennett, however, presents an unconventional figure for this independent cause. His tenure as vice chair of the Maine Republican Party from 2013 to 2017, along with his past candidacies and roles within the GOP, highlight his previous party alignment. It wasn’t until last year that Bennett distanced himself from the party to embark on his independent campaign.
In his campaign launch video, Bennett stated, “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 disclosures reveal that Maine Wins Together, the primary super PAC backing Bennett, largely benefits from affluent Republican contributors. The Bahre family, of auto-racing wealth, contributed $50,000 to the PAC. They have also supported LePage’s congressional campaign and various Republican entities with significant donations.
Additionally, liquor tycoon Paul Coulombe donated another $50,000 to Bennett’s supporting PAC. Coulombe has historically contributed substantial amounts to Republican interests and was involved in funding LePage’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign efforts.
LePage, a controversial figure who has described himself as “Donald Trump before Donald Trump,” served as governor from 2011 to 2019. His administration was marked by extremist policies and inflammatory statements, including a refusal to expand Medicaid despite voter approval.
Bennett’s past collaborations with LePage include campaigning together in 2010 and serving on LePage’s transition team. LePage has also vouched for Bennett’s qualification for a State Department position during the Trump administration.
Moreover, finance reports show that Bennett’s campaign benefits from the expertise of Election Hive, a Republican consultancy from Utah. This firm also advises Sen. Mike Lee, noted as the most conservative senator of 2024 by the Institute for Legislative Analysis.
In the upcoming general election, Bennett will compete against Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles. According to a Siena Research Institute poll, Bennett currently lags behind his opponents, holding only 8% of voter support.
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