King endorses Dunlap in 2nd District House race

In a video posted Tuesday, King, who served two terms as governor before joining the U.S. Senate, praised Dunlap for his time representing Old Town in the Maine Legislature.

“When you serve as governor, you get to know a lot of legislators, but one I particularly remember is Matt Dunlap. Why? because he was tough and smart and a strong advocate for his district,” King said.

Dunlap, who also served as Maine secretary of state and is currently the state auditor, is running against Republican former Gov. Paul LePage to replace U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat. LePage is favored to win the conservative-leaning district, but the race is expected to be close. In September, the Cook Political Report shifted its rating in the Democrat’s favor, currently rating the district as leaning Republican. 

While Dunlap is known for his progressive position on many issues, such as Medicare for All, he’s also highlighted his support for gun rights, pointing to his previous post as executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

King also touts Dunlap’s advocacy for the “sportsmen and women of Maine,” pointing out that the candidate has a hunting license. “He can represent the whole 2nd District in Congress, and that’s what we need,” King said.

King, who caucuses with Democrats, has also backed Democrat Hannah Pingree in the gubernatorial race, but has so far not weighed in on the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson.