The Democratic Party in Bangor, Maine - famously the hometown of horror master Stephen King - finds itself at the centre of a real-life political thriller after endorsing a city council candidate whose husband is serving a life sentence for murder.
A Controversial Endorsement
Angela Walker, seeking election to Bangor's city council, has received the official backing of local Democrats despite her husband, Thomas 'Tomas' Mitchell, being convicted for the brutal 1993 murder of his former girlfriend, 22-year-old Mindy Gould.
The case shocked the quiet Maine community when Mitchell repeatedly stabbed Gould before disposing of her body in a remote woodland area. He remains incarcerated at the Maine State Prison, with Walker regularly visiting him throughout their marriage.
Democratic Defence
Local Democratic officials have defended their decision, arguing that Walker shouldn't be judged for her husband's crimes. "We evaluate candidates based on their own merits and qualifications," stated a party representative, emphasising Walker's community work and policy positions.
However, the endorsement has sparked fierce debate among residents in the city of approximately 32,000 people. Many question the judgement of supporting a candidate so closely connected to such a violent crime.
Political Fallout in King's Backyard
The controversy takes on added significance given Bangor's status as the long-time home of bestselling author Stephen King, whose novels often explore themes of darkness lurking beneath small-town America's surface.
Political analysts suggest the situation puts local Democrats in a difficult position, balancing principles of redemption and separation from a spouse's past against potential voter backlash in the upcoming election.
As Walker continues her campaign, the people of Bangor must decide whether a candidate's personal associations should determine their political future - a question straight from the pages of the kind of novel that made their city famous.
