Belfast — Three people stood at the corner of High and Main streets at noon June 23, holding a large green banner to raise awareness of independent candidate Lisa Savage, who is running for Susan Collins’ Senate seat.

Dud Hendrick of Deer Isle, Meredith Bruskin of Swanville and Bruce Gagnon of Brunswick said they have been gathering in towns across the state to raise Savage's political profile. Hendrick said because she is an independent, Savage does not get as much media attention as Democratic or Republican candidates.

Bruskin said ranked-choice voting gives independent candidates like Savage a chance against the two major parties and it gets people out of the mindset that voting third party is throwing their vote away.

She said Savage gathered over 9,000 signatures to be placed on the November ballot, well over the 4,000 signatures required. She said she thinks it is a sign that people want change. She said Savage is introducing a discussion about progressive values into Maine politics.

All three supporters said it would be reflective of the change people want to see in the state if Maine were to have two independent senators. “It would be fabulous,” Bruskin said. “It would be an indicator of change.”

Three Lisa Savage supporters hold a sign June 23 on the corner of High and Main streets in Belfast. (Photo by: Kendra Caruso)

Lisa Savage supporters raise awareness for her campaign June 23 on the corner of Main and High streets in downtown Belfast. (Photo by: Kendra Caruso)