Some political observers say today’s partisan climate reduces the chances of success for independents like Sen. Rick Bennett. Others say a moderate candidate is just what Maine needs.

Phil Hirschkorn hosts former Republican State Senator Lisa Keim and Democratic consultant BJ McCollister to talk about the latest in local and national politics

According to the bill's co-sponsor, Senator Rick Bennett of Oxford, the legislation is based on the recommendations of a bipartisan task force of legislators to amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act to restore self-governance over a range of issues. 

"It was a joke previously to say someone's in their mid-20s and living in their mom's basement, but that is our economic reality now," Worth said of the experience of him and his peers.

“Maine is facing an affordability crisis, and Maine’s next governor must be laser-focused on this issue,” Bennett told reporters gathered inside a new home that is part of an 18-unit modular housing development in Rumford.

Sen. Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, unveiled a four-point plan Wednesday to help make more housing more affordable for Mainers.

Housing, health care and energy prices are the top priorities for almost every candidate, but they’re presenting vastly different ideas for how to address them.

Candidates for Maine governor are hearing from advocates on making the state a better place for children and families.

…State Sen. Rick Bennett, who left the Republican Party last June… [has] the potential to create a competitive four-way race in a state where unaffiliated candidates have won the governor’s office or come close a number of times.

State politics here in Maine have suffered from a lack of civility…It has often felt unfair, unprofessional and inconsistent with the civility that good government demands.

Mary Small is a former Republican state senator from Sagadohoc County. Marge Kilkelly is a former Democratic state senator from Lincoln County.

Bennett is one of five independents who are hoping to gain support and build a coalition from both sides of the political aisle. Bennett is the most well-known of the five Independent candidates and leads that field in fundraising, raising nearly $530,000 for his campaign so far.

Looking forward, the group endorsed state Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford for governor in 2026, saying they believe he will take steps to fully implement the program. Bennett is a former Republican who dropped his party affiliation to run as an independent. 

Maine has always understood something essential about democracy: that it works best when communities are strong, local decisions matter, and people have the tools to take care of themselves and one another. That spirit of self-reliance – quiet, practical, and grounded – has carried Maine through every chapter of our history. And it must continue to do so.

"It's one thing for Republicans to say let's lower the temperature," Bennett said. "And I agree. But maybe they should be telling that to the people they support in Washington."

Among them is State Sen. Rick Bennett, I-Oxford, who is also an independent candidate for governor. Bennett was joined by other lawmakers, Senators Rachel Talbot Ross and Nicole Grohoski and Rep. Nathan Carlow, and advocates marking the anniversary by criticizing the role of money in politics and urging reforms they said would reduce the influence of so-called dark money.

State Sen. Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, is among those calling for a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United.

The proposal has backing across the aisle, with co-sponsors Rep. Jennifer Poirier (R- Skowhegan) and Sen. Rick Bennett (I-Oxford). Poirier, who started her career as a direct care worker, called the bill “an essential piece of legislation that will ensure individuals have the specialized support that they need now and for years to come.”

Maine Senator Rick Bennett, who is also a candidate for governor, is sponsoring this bill.