Former state Sen. Charlie Summers (R) was endorsed by the Maine Restaurant Association and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors political action committees this week in the race to replace Rep. Tom Allen (D).

Summers faces former Common Cause President Chellie Pingree (D) in November, though the Democrat is favored to win the seat that Allen is giving up to run for the Senate.

“Charlie’s extensive record supporting the small-business community throughout Maine and New England make him the candidate we’re excited to throw our support behind,” MRA President and CEO Richard Grotton said.