Maine's Department of Transportation commissioner said he is on a tour across the state to educate state lawmakers about the importance of funding bridge and highway repair and maintenance. The department revealed recently that its work plan budget is short by hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rick Bennett, a longtime lawmaker and former Maine Republican Party chairman, has qualified for the November ballot as an independent.

PORTLAND, Maine — Having released four of his five promised plans for governing, independent Rick Bennett detailed his vision for how to make childcare more affordable for Mainers on Friday.

AUGUSTA — Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett has officially secured a place on Maine's November ballot, marking a significant milestone in what is shaping up to be one of the state's most closely watched races.

Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett submitted more than 5,000 signatures to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office Wednesday in his bid to appear on the November ballot alongside Republican and Democratic party nominees. 

Phil Hirschkorn hosts Democrat Betsy Sweet and Republican Matt Pouliot to discuss the latest in local and national politics.

Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett says his new plan would help lower energy and living costs in Maine.

SEARSMONT — State senator and independent candidate for governor Rick Bennett unveiled a four-point plan Thursday for addressing one of Maine’s most pressing problems — high energy prices.

Halting property taxes, deterring migrants and dedicating $100 million to fund construction are among the ideas Maine’s gubernatorial candidates have to improve the state’s housing market.

Five Democrats and seven Republicans are fighting hard in their uncertain primaries for the chance to replace Gov. Janet Mills, but playmakers on both sides of the aisle are already strategizing around a candidate who isn’t on the ballot until November.

Gubernatorial candidates attending the first ever Wabanaki forum on Thursday in Houlton each said they support tribal sovereignty. 

Pharmacy deserts. Rising costs. Workforce shortages and funding gaps. Uncertainty from Washington.

"My goal is to make Mainers the healthiest people in the nation," said Bennett.

Maine has an affordability crisis, and housing is a big part of it.

I certainly hope Bennett will be our next governor.

I would like to share my enthusiastic support for Rick Bennett’s campaign as an independent candidate for governor. 

A dozen candidates for governor gathered in Rockport on Saturday to discuss the issues facing one of the state’s key industries.

Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford talks with a supporter during an event launching his independent run for governor at KBS Builders in Oxford, Maine.

It’s time to send a message. Vote independent. Vote for Rick Bennett for governor.

Bennett has already proven that he will show up, listen and act for anyone.