AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A former lawmaker who battled against an electric transmission line in western Maine won’t be running for governor.

Former state Sen. Tom Saviello said in a statement that he was tired of party politics and fearful of playing the role of spoiler. At 71, he also said he was too old, though Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and her Republican challenger, former Gov. Paul LePage, are both older.

Saviello also said he was disappointed with the “polarizing,” “uncompromising” partisanship in government. Saviello said he would not endorse anyone in the election, the Bangor Daily News reported.

His announcement, on Wednesday, removes from the race a high-profile politician who has been an independent as well as a member of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Saviello is considered an ally of Mills, though he was frustrated by her support for $1 billion power line that would serve as a conduit for Canadian hydropower to reach the regional power grid.

He was a foe of LePage. The former governor called Saviello “repugnant” in a 2018 legislative hearing.