Dale Crafts, owner of two Crafts Self Storage locations in Lisbon Falls and Topsham, Maine, is running for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in the state’s second congressional district. The 61-year-old will face former state legislator Eric Brakey and Adrienne Bennett, who once served as communications director for former Gov. Paul LePage, for the Republican nomination in the July 14 primary. The winner will then aim to unseat freshman Democratic representative Jared Golden.

Crafts was born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and grew up in Lisbon Falls. His political career began when he was elected to the city’s budget advisory board, and later served as a member of the revitalization and revolving loan committee. Crafts was elected to the Lisbon Town Council twice, serving from 2006 to 2009, and the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016.

Crafts became wheelchair-bound at age 25 after being struck by a car while riding a motorcycle. He’s owned and operated a dozen companies including current businesses CSS Pre-Owned Inc. Auto Sales, Goin’ Postal Franchise and C&F Developments LLC. 

Crafts has garnered support from LePage and 50 current and former state legislators. “They figured with my legislative experience, my business experience, my life experience, how I voted, [and] how I supported the things I did that I was the best candidate to beat Jared in the general,” Crafts said. “I'm a man of integrity. I don't ever check the wind. I stick to my convictions.”

Crafts Self Storage at 56 Capital Ave. in Lisbon Falls is operated from the Topsham location at 7 Center Park Road. Both sites offer 24-hour access and drive-up units.

Source:
WMTW, Republican Dale Crafts, Former Maine State Legislator, Eyes Seat in Congress
Dale Crafts, Dale Crafts for Congress