John R. McKernan, Jr.

John Rettie " Jock " McKernan Jr. ( born May 20, 1948 in Bangor, Maine) is an American politician ( Republican). He was from 1987 to 1995 governor of Maine. He also represented his state as a deputy in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early years and political rise

John McKernan graduated from Dartmouth College, and then served 1970-1973 in the National Guard. He then studied at the Law School of the University of Maine law. In 1974 he was admitted to the bar.

While still a student, McKernan began to become politically active. Between 1972 and 1976 he was a delegate in the House of Representatives from Maine. Between his political positions, he worked as a lawyer. In 1976, McKernan was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Between 1983 and 1987 he represented his state in Congress.

Governor of Maine

In 1986, McKernan was chosen as the Republican candidate for the new governor of Maine. Here, it ranged 39.9 percent of the vote to defeat Democrat James E. Tierney, which reached 30.1 percent. The remaining votes were distributed to two independent candidates. McKernan took up his new post on January 7, 1987 and was able to exercise it until 5 January 1995, which he was re-elected in 1990. This time he combined 46.7 percent of the vote, Democrat Joseph Brennan - his predecessor in office - 44.1 percent.

After the end of his tenure, he was involved continue for the Republican Party. He supported the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain. Since September 2003 he has been CEO of Education Management Corporation. John McKernan is married to Senator Olympia Snowe U.S..