‘Sopranos’ character to aid Maine Dem

PORTLAND – Ethan Strimling is using his connections to the TV mob drama “The Sopranos” as he explores whether to run for Congress next year.

The state senator from Portland is enlisting the help of actor Matt Servitto, who plays FBI Agent Dwight Harris on the HBO series. Servitto and Strimling went to acting school together and each was best man at the other’s wedding.

Servitto will be the star attraction at a June 24 fundraiser for Strimling’s congressional exploratory committee. Strimling announced this month that he had formed the committee as he considers whether to run for the seat being vacated by fellow Democrat Tom Allen, who is challenging Sen. Susan Collins in 2008.

As Agent Harris, Servitto investigates the Soprano crime family, develops a rapport with mob boss Tony Soprano and develops a liking for sandwiches at Satriale’s pork store. In the recurring role, Servitto has appeared in more than 20 “Sopranos” episodes.

Strimling and Servitto became friends in the 1980s when they studied acting at The Julliard School in New York. Strimling jokingly said he isn’t sure how much help he’ll get from an actor whose primary goal in the series is to take down Tony Soprano.

“Everybody loves Tony,” he said.

The fundraiser will be held at Anthony’s Italian Kitchen, a Portland restaurant owned by Tony Barrasso, a Strimling supporter and a fan of “The Sopranos.” The event will cost $100 per person with a limit of 50 people.

Door prizes at the event will include autographed photos of “Sopranos” cast members, a Sopranos cookbook, a “Sopranos” entertainment guide, CDs of Junior Soprano singing and other “Sopranos” memorabilia, Barrasso said.