BATH, Maine (AP) The Maine Green Independent Party is hoping to raise its profile by getting a candidate on a statewide ballot for the first time in 13 years.

Maine’s Greens are looking to Solon teacher Lisa Savage, who is planning a run against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Savage is an anti-war protester known locally for demonstrating at Bath Iron Works.

Maine’s Green Party is the oldest in the country and was founded in 1984. The Bangor Daily News reports Maine’s adoption of ranked-choice voting persuaded Savage in part to enter the race.

The party has grown by 25% over the past decade despite failing to field statewide candidates. Savage needs to gather 2,000 signatures from party members in the early months of 2020 to qualify. Maine has more than 40,000 Greens.
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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com