AUGUSTA – Democrat Chellie Pingree and Republican Charlie Summers each claimed endorsements in Maine’s 1st District congressional race Tuesday.

The Maine State Nurses Association endorsed Pingree. The group’s president, Maureen Caristi, said Pingree will fight for the best interests of patients and nurses in Congress.

The nurses noted that Pingree was a leading supporter of legislation forcing drug companies to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices while she was in the state Senate.

Summers was endorsed by the Maine chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, which said he will put a pro-jobs message to work in Washington.

Chapter President Kathleen Newman cited Summers’ background as regional administrator for the Small Business Administration.