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Although I was on the ballot for governor of Maine as an independent candidate in 2022, most of you will never have heard of me.

During my campaign, I was invited to the annual awards picnic for Defend Our Health outside of Portland. I didn’t know anyone there but wore my name tag.  Rick Bennett was there receiving an award, which I thought was a little unusual.

A Republican getting an award for environmental work? Come to find out, he has a reputation as the most moderate Republican state senator in Maine, even though he had served as co-speaker of the Maine Senate and chairman of the Maine Republican Party. 

As I eventually got to know Bennett, I found him to be a knowledgeable man of character who has evolved politically over the years. He’s learned from his time as an elected official.  Like many of us, he has become disillusioned with party politics.

On this day, as Bennett stood to accept his award, he began by saying, “Well, I think I finally found someone I can caucus with, Sam Hunkler, who is here today as an independent candidate for governor.” 

I was surprised that he knew I existed, and by the graciousness he showed for calling me out. He knew that I had little chance of winning, but he respected what I was doing and wanted to bring that attention to others. This is Rick Bennett, independent candidate for Maine governor.   

Sam Hunkler
Beals