Here’s a flip-flop, hold all the nuance.

In 2000, former Maine Gov. Angus King voted for George W. Bush, attended his inauguration and even introduced the president to a Portland crowd.

On Tuesday, King – an enormously popular independent, twice elected governor – endorsed Sen. John Kerry for president.

“In 1994, George Bush and I were elected governor of our respective states,” King said during a press event in the Merrill Auditorium rehearsal hall. “We worked together effectively … I liked him. I still like him. I’m not a Bush-hater or a Bush-basher.”

From there, King launched an indictment of Bush’s conduct in office, calling the Bush presidency a major disappointment and failure.

“I had high hopes for the Bush administration,” King said. “I wanted this president to succeed. Unfortunately, I’ve been disappointed, disillusioned.”

King’s critique of President Bush’s three-plus years in office began with the deficit and continued through the war in Iraq and the way it has been waged.

“No one under 35 should vote for George Bush. For the rest of your life, you’re going to be paying” for this president’s policies.

According to King, Bush has pushed through tax cuts despite the facts and has created a structural deficit that will slam the brakes on the economy and threaten the country’s recovery.

“My generation is buying things we want today and passing the bills along.”

On the war, King talked about his progression from a hawkish stance before the invasion to his feelings now.

The president, King said, justified his pre-emptive strike against Iraq by claiming the country had weapons of mass destruction, had ties to al-Qaida and was pursuing nuclear weapons. None of those things is true.

“The doctrine of pre-emption was dangerous. You have to be sure you’re right.”

Bush wasn’t. And, King said, the country will be paying the price for years to come. “It’s absolutely clear the administration had no plan for after that statue fell.”

King’s endorsement is good news for Kerry. The two-term governor maintains his popularity, and his charisma and ability to tell a good story – to connect with an audience – haven’t dissipated since he left office in 2003.

He can be a powerful advocate with independents around the country. As of yet, however, King says there are no definite plans for what comes next.

Al Gore carried Maine in 2000, but the margin of victory was only 5,660 votes in the the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Auburn and Lewiston and runs west and north. Ralph Nader, on the ballot again this year, captured almost 17,000 votes in the district.

Recent polls suggest the race in the 2nd is a dead heat. Maine, like Nebraska, can split its Electoral College votes. The winner of each congressional district is awarded one. The candidate who wins the most votes overall receives the other two.

President Bush, who will appear at a rally today in Bangor, hopes to skim the 2nd District’s electoral vote away from Kerry.

Before winning his first race for public office in 1994, King was a lawyer and entrepreneur. He was successful in Maine, defeating two major party candidates, by building a coalition of environmentalists and sportsmen around a compelling personal narrative. He cut taxes, expanded land in conservation and launched the state’s middle school laptop program.

He remained on the sidelines in other presidential races. He didn’t endorse in 1996 or 2000. He maintains he’s still an independent, and will continue to support candidates, regardless of party, who are good leaders. He’s backing Republican Rep. Joe Bruno in his re-election campaign this year.

Maine has more voters who identify themselves as independents than identify with either the Republican or Democratic parties. And King might carry weight with them.

Endorsements are of questionable value. King joked Tuesday that he had no illusions he would be able to sway any voters into supporting Kerry. But it would be a mistake to underestimate the impact a powerful advocate could have in a close race. King’s participation helped kill a referendum last year that would have allowed two of Maine’s Indian tribes to build a casino in southern Maine.

Mainers still like King, and even if they don’t agree with what he’s saying, they’ll listen. For voters struggling with the decision between Bush and Kerry, reluctant to switch leaders in a time of war but acknowledging they don’t like where the country is headed, King might be the guidepost they’re looking for.

“The George Bush I voted for is not the George Bush who has governed,” King said.

King said he talked to Kerry about three weeks ago and made his decision. He has not talked to Bush’s people since then.

“I was for them. They had me and lost me. I don’t think there’s anything they could say. … I like a lot of what George Bush says. I just don’t like what he has done.”

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