AUGUSTA — Tens of thousands of dollars are pouring into state legislative races, but it’s a mystery when and where Republican Gov. Paul LePage will provide support just weeks before Election Day. LePage is a registered fundraiser of ICE PAC, a political action committee that has raised almost $330,000 from donors including Maine logging companies […]
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Eves doesn’t have support for special session on Paul LePage
AUGUSTA — GOP Gov. Paul LePage has avoided immediate legislative punishment for an obscenity-laden voicemail and threats he directed toward a Democratic lawmaker. Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves said Tuesday he’s disappointed with the lack of support for a special session addressing LePage’s conduct. Democrats said 84 representatives voted “yes” while 67 didn’t respond or […]
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Legislative leaders to discuss response to Paul LePage
AUGUSTA — Maine legislative leaders are scheduled to discuss their response to Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s obscene tirade against a Democratic legislator. Although Democrats continue calling for LePage’s resignation, it’s unclear if Republicans will support impeachment or resignation. LePage says he won’t resign. Democratic and Republican leaders are meeting Thursday. Republican House Minority Leader Ken […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage talks about corrective action with GOP leaders
UPDATE: Gov. Paul LePage goes on air to apologize to Gattine, Maine UPDATED 6:39 A.M. AUG. 30: Gov. Paul LePage met Monday night with Senate President Mike Thibodeau and House Minority Leader Ken Fredette for about 90 minutes at the Blaine House, according to the Portland Press Herald. Thibodeau’s spokesman, Jim Cyr, said LePage told the Republican leaders he […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Republicans took charge of legislation
During the past two years, the Maine State Legislature has been operating in a divided government. The Senate was controlled by Republicans, the House by Democrats, and Gov. Paul LePage is a Republican. Every piece of legislation has to be handled by all three of these entities, and that means the past two years had […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Bipartisanship still common in Maine
There is a lot of talk about partisanship and dysfunctional government these days. But behind the attention grabbing headlines, the Legislature has compromised and improved state government for the people of Maine. As a first-term lawmaker, I had the opportunity to see this up close with legislation to assist Maine veterans. We passed new laws […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
York County Republican draws heat for campaign email
PORTLAND — A county Republican Party leader in Maine has come under fire from Democrats and fellow Republicans for an email they say belittles an openly gay state lawmaker. The Portland Press Herald reports an email from the account of York County Republican Committee Chairman Jim Booth sent to party activists refers to Rep. Justin […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Lawmakers won’t plan public hearings on wardens
AUGUSTA — The state legislature won’t hold public hearings this year into the conduct of undercover game wardens after a newspaper reported on tactics including providing alcohol and encouraging poaching, and one legislator said lawmakers lack the stomach to question law enforcement ahead of elections. Chairs of the committee that oversees the warden service said such […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Wood, Melaragno, Sheats, Fuller win State House primaries
AUBURN — Democratic voters Tuesday decided to stick with state Rep. Gina Melaragno in a Maine House District 62 primary races that pitted the first-term lawmaker against former Rep. Brian Bolduc. But Melaragno’s message of improving the economy for all Mainers with a focus on poverty, health care and climate change seemed to win Democrats […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage factors in GOP legislative primaries
AUGUSTA — The slate of Republican candidates for the general election in November took shape Tuesday in a primary election that saw low voter turnout throughout most of Maine. Some of the primary elections on the GOP side highlight a political divide between two of the state’s top Republicans: Gov. Paul LePage and Senate President […]