me_gov_king
GOVERNOR ANGUS KING
Age: 54 Born: March 31, 1944; Alexandria, Virginia Education: University of Virginia, J.D. (1969); Dartmouth College, B.A. (1966) Military: None Family: Married - Mary Herman; One child from current marriage, three children from a previous marriage Hometown: Brunswick, Maine Religion: Episcopalian Career: Governor (1995-present); Founder, Northeast Energy Management Inc. (1989-1994); Host, "MaineWatch" public television program (1975-93); General Counsel, Swift River Co. (1983-89); Attorney (1975-83); Counsel, Office of Senator William Hathaway (1972-75) |
• King was born in Alexandria, Virginia, where his father taught school and practiced law. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in government, and three years later, graduated from law school at the University of Virginia.
• He moved to Maine after law school to work for Pine Tree Legal Assistance on behalf of low-income residents involved in legal disputes.
• In 1972, he joined the campaign staff of Maine Congressman William Hathaway, then running for U.S. Senate. After the successful campaign, King moved to Washington, where he served as counsel to the Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Narcotics.
• King returned to Maine in 1975 to raise his family and established a small law practice in Brunswick. To supplement his income, he began substitute-hosting a weekly public television show which developed into a 17-year stint as host of "MaineWatch," a political talk-show. King says his political identity changed as a result of his work on the show. His many interviews with party politicians convinced him they were too committed to party lines on many issues, and he didn't feel at home with either.
• In 1983, King left his law practice to work as a lawyer for a company developing small-scale hdropower projects. He then started his own energy conservation company, investing $50,000 and winning a contract with Central Maine Power Co. to help businesses conserve energy. He sold the company in 1993, netting $8 million.
• King was elected governor in a four-way race in 1994, beating former Governor and U.S. Representative Joe Brennan by only 7,878 votes. King is the nationÂ's only incumbent Governor not allied with a major party. The last independent to occupy the GovernorÂ's Mansion in Maine was Gov. James Longley (1975-79), the father of KingÂ's Republican challenger this year.