PORTLAND, Maine — The biography of Ron Russell on his campaign website gets right to the point.
"First and foremost, I am a Mainer," it says. "I was born in Fort Fairfield and raised on a potato farm there."
Now, Russell has his eyes on Washington. He’s the Republican candidate running against Democrat Chellie Pingree in the first district.
Here’s a quick look at Russell.
Residence: Kennebunkport
Political experience: This is the first time he’s run for elective office
Work experience: Served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He was an Airborne Ranger and Special Forces-qualified Green Beret. After retiring from the Army, he worked for defense contractors before starting a small business with three colleagues that went on to employ 150 people.
We talked with Russell about several issues, including why he chose to take on a popular incumbent, how he’d improve the U.S. economy, and what can be done about the high cost of housing in the first district. Watch our 207 interview to learn more.