Name recognition is everything in politics these days — even when the name people recognize isn’t actually the candidate. That’s why Angus King III has a real shot at being Maine’s next governor.

Unlike the other legacy candidate in the Democratic field — former state House leader Hannah Pingree, daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree — King has never held elected office.

I knew that three-term Sen. Angus King had grandchildren because I’ve heard him talk fondly about them. I figured he must have children, too, but I had no clue who they were or what they did.

No doubt I wasn’t the only person surprised when the senator’s son entered the gubernatorial race last year, though it is possible I’m the only person assigned to cover Maine politics who had no idea he existed.

Once I discovered him, I figured King III might have a genuine shot at winning — not because of his record, platform or character. Just because of his name.

Sen. King is an admirable fellow. He brings to his job broad experience, deep knowledge of his home state and its history and a courtesy that is rare in politics.

I also learned long ago about Sen. King’s father, a fine lawyer and a hero during the hard years when Virginia’s schools were finally desegregated. His support for integration probably cost him a chance to serve as a federal judge.

With that heritage, I’m inclined to think King III is probably a decent guy; having a respected name means something.

After the release of the Pan Atlantic Research 68th Omnibus Poll last Wednesday, King’s campaign claimed that it showed he was “leading the Democratic primary for governor” because 71% of voters said they “would likely” back him or “consider” supporting him in the June 9 primary.

Of the five leading Democrats in the race for governor — Nirav Shah, Hannah Pingree, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson and King III — the poll determined that by far the best-known contender was King.

That’s preposterous, of course. Shah was on television constantly for a couple of years during the pandemic. Bellows, Pingree and Jackson have been prominent figures in Augusta for years.

The poll found that only 12% of likely voters admitted they didn’t know who King was. More than twice as many said they were unfamiliar with Shah, Pingree and Bellows. More than half had no idea who Jackson is despite his stint as president of the state Senate. 

I doubt more than a small fraction of Maine voters could say anything about King III beyond the misguided sense that he might be our senator or, if they’re better informed, that he’s the senator’s son.

In truth, King III seems to have a solid business background, founding a renewable energy company, building affordable housing and more. I’m sure voters will be hearing more about all of it in the weeks and months ahead.

But, please, don’t vote for anyone until you know something about them. I hope those who bother to fill in a ballot will take the time to learn about all the candidates beforehand and figure out which ones they want most — and rank them accordingly.

If King winds up as his party’s nominee, let’s make sure it’s because he deserves it.