The other Maine politician who hasn’t made a presidential endorsement

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s refusal to endorse a presidential candidate is a theme in his race in Maine’s swing 2nd District, but someone else on Maine’s ballot has done the same thing.

That’s U.S. Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats who is heavily favored for reelection against three candidates in 2024. His position has gotten far less attention than Golden’s, but it remains an important lesson on King’s brand across Maine.

What’s the context: King told Semafor this week that he has been focused on his work in the Senate, but “there will be a time” for a presidential endorsement. That differs from Golden, a centrist Democrat who said he would not be endorsing anyone. He has been dogged by reporters and his Republican challenger, state Rep. Austin Theriault, on that issue.

The big picture: All signs point to King backing Vice President Kamala Harris. He backed President Joe Biden in 2020. He has been a harsh critic of former President Donald Trump, although he is less reflexive about hitting Trump on everyday events than many Democrats are.

What’s really happening: Unlike Maine’s other big-name politicians, a major part of King’s profile is in the context of an office he used to have. As the governor from 1994 to 2002, the independent often played the two parties against each other. 

Being a senator is inherently more partisan. In a recent poll from the University of New Hampshire, 75 percent of voters identifying as Democrats saw King favorably, compared with 41 percent of independents and 6 percent of Republicans.

While it’s clear that he’s not seen as a neutral actor, King still derives much of his brand from being “independent.” The word appears four times on the homepage of his campaign website. 

What they’re saying: “Angus King’s latest endorsement stunt shows he’s more interested in Washington politics than in addressing the real issues Mainers face,” King’s Republican opponent, former state party chair Demi Kouzounas, said in a statement.

“I do see King’s unwillingness to endorse Harris or to even acknowledge that she crushed Trump in the debate as another example of his overly careful approach to politics and governance,” said Democratic nominee David Costello, though he said King will likely endorse the vice president at some point.

Independent Jason Cherry, the fourth candidate in the race, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.