Rick Bennett’s Independent Campaign Backed by Republican Donors

Rick Bennett’s Gubernatorial Campaign Backed by Republican Donors

State Senator Rick Bennett, running an independent campaign for the Maine governor’s seat, is receiving substantial support from Republican donors and strategists, including those aligned with former Governor Paul LePage.

Maine has seen a tradition of electing independents to key positions. Notably, Angus King, one of two independents in the U.S. Senate, served as the state’s governor from 1995 to 2003. Another independent, Eliot Cutler, was the runner-up in the 2010 governor’s race.

Bennett, however, emerges as an unconventional choice for the independent path, having previously served as vice chair of the Maine Republican Party between 2013 and 2017. His political career has been predominantly under the GOP banner until his departure last year to pursue his current campaign as an independent.

In a campaign video, Bennett emphasized the need for leaders who collaborate across party lines: “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 records reveal that the super PAC Maine Wins Together, a primary supporter of Bennett’s campaign, is largely funded by affluent Republican individuals.

This year, Gray and Sandra Bahre, known for their wealth from auto-racing, contributed $50,000 to the group. They have also supported LePage’s congressional bid in Maine’s 2nd District with $14,000, in addition to other donations amounting to $49,000 to various Republican causes and groups.

Additionally, liquor executive Paul Coulombe donated $50,000 to Maine Wins Together. Coulombe, who previously donated $160,000 to the Maine Republican Party in 2014, also backed LePage’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2022.

LePage, who has described himself as “Donald Trump before Donald Trump,” governed from 2011 to 2019. His tenure was marked by controversial views and provocative comments, and he notably refused Medicaid expansion despite voter approval.

Bennett’s past interactions with LePage include campaigning alongside him in 2010 and participating in his transition team. LePage even recommended Bennett for a State Department role during Trump’s presidency.

Campaign finance filings indicate that Bennett’s campaign is guided by Election Hive, a Republican consultancy from Utah. This firm has also collaborated with Sen. Mike Lee, identified by the Institute for Legislative Analysis as the most conservative senator of 2024.

Bennett will contest the general election against Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles. According to a recent Siena Research Institute poll, Bennett is currently behind both rivals, garnering only 8% support.