Ben Tucker receives Sen. King staff appointment

Photo:

Ben Tucker III

NORWAY — Local personality Ben Tucker III has been selected to be the regional representative for Androscoggin County for Senator-Elect Angus King.

"It's an honor and privilege to continue to serve the United States Senator Elect," said Tucker, Monday.

Tucker, a Norway resident, was a regular contributor to the Advertiser Democrat, providing the "Highways and Byways" photo segment until August of this year. 

An active member of the community, Tucker has been a vice president of the Western Foothills Land Trust, a Norway Historical Society Director, a vice president of the Weary Club of Norway and a member of the Western Maine Arts Group.

Tucker's family has deep roots in the area. In his own words, "There's been a Ben Tucker in Norway since 1801."

In addition to his community involvement, Tucker was also the Chief Operating Officer for Oxford Homes between 1996 and 2000.

A veteran of Republican local and state-wide campaigns, Tucker worked on King's Senate campaign as Deputy Political and Field Director.

King's 2012 campaign was unique in that it brought together diverse people from across the political spectrum, Tucker says.

"Part of what made the campaign interesting and exciting was we never had to ask what somebody's party affiliation was because it didn't matter ... as Angus used to say, 'it's important that people understand that we're not running against anyone, we're running for something.'"

Senator-elect King's Washington D.C. and Maine staff continue to reflect that political diversity, Tucker says.

He'll be in attendance when King is officially sworn in as a U.S. Senator Thursday, January 3, in Washington D.C. The trip is doubly exciting for Tucker, who says he's never visited the U.S. Capitol.  

"When I met Angus in May, I said 'I've never been to Washington D.C. before, I hope the first time I go is to watch you be sworn in as Maine's next United States Senator.' As it turns out, that's exactly how that's playing out."