Former Maine Republican Party Chair Demi Kouzounas announced last week that she will run for U.S. Senate against Sen. Angus King (I-ME) this November. Sen. King is officially an independent but caucuses exclusively with the Democrats.
Kouzounas talked about her decision to run for Senate on Friday with WLOB radio host Ray Richardson.
Kouzounas said that she had a phone call with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on Monday when Collins asked her if she would run for Senate. She said by that night she made her decision to run.
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The fact that Sen. King was running unopposed factored into her desire to run, she said.
“To have a Senator go unopposed, I think is terrible,” said Kouzounas.
News Center Maine reported that a spokesperson for Sen. Collins said that Collins considers Kouzounas to be a close friend and someone she thinks very highly of.
However, Collins will stop short of making an official endorsement in the race. In past races, Collins has also declined to officially endorse candidates running against King.
King was reportedly said he was “disappointed” in Sen. Collins’ urging Kouzounas to run, according to News Center Maine.
Kouzounas clarified that she would make a formal announcement of her candidacy at a later date.
