In comments at the Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Club Tuesday evening, Gov. Paul LePage lashed out at independent U.S. Sen. Angus King, criticizing the former governor for his private dealings in the energy sector, which LePage said have benefited King to the tune of more than $100 million.

Hat tip to Bangor Daily News reporter Abigail Curtis for capturing these comments.

“He ripped us off royally,” said LePage. “I can’t wait until 2018. I think that’s the guy I’m going to go after.”

Is LePage planning a run for the U.S. Senate? That seems to be what he’s suggesting, though let’s remember he has made similar claims before including during appearances on the Howie Carr show. And this isn’t the first time he’s singled out King.

LePage then gave his now-familiar assessment of how politicians fall into three groups: “backbenchers” who do nothing but follow others, people who enter politics to enrich themselves (like King, according to LePage) and people who are in it for the right reasons (like LePage, according to LePage).

“I’m here for one reason,” said the governor. “I took a 70-percent cut in pay to be your governor. I will have given up about $1.8 million. There’s no room in public service for people who do it for themselves.”


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