AUGUSTA (AP) — A proposal to divide Maine into two states — north and south — has been shot down by legislative leaders.

Rep. Henry Joy, a Republican from the northern Maine town of Crystal, wanted to make a point that there are two Maines — the prosperous, populated south, and rural north. Joy says he was prompted to act by a proposal to create North Woods natural preserve that would remove valuable woodlands from further economic development.

But the Legislative Council, the bipartisan group of House and Senate leaders, took a dim view of Joy’s idea last week and rejected it. Bills proposed late in the session must be admitted by the council in order to be considered by the Legislature.

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