Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, sj-web

LePage family bonds survive troubling upbringing in Lewiston

When Paul LePage is sworn into office today as Maine’s governor, Maurice “Moe” LePage will be there, a witness to his big brother’s remarkable escape from an impoverished and abusive childhood. “I will be the proudest person there because of what we’ve been through,” said Moe LePage, a tile floor installer who lives and works […]

Posted inMaine

History repeats itself in some governors’ inaugural speeches

AUGUSTA — Streamline government. Reduce spending. Create jobs. Cut red tape. Eliminate partisan politics. Stop the exodus of Maine youth. Those are some of the themes Gov.-elect Paul LePage could touch upon when he makes his inauguration speech at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday morning. Mainers should be familiar with the issues, and not […]

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Posted inMaine, sj-web

LePage takes up residence in the Blaine house

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Republican Gov.-elect Paul LePage won’t be sworn into office until Wednesday, but he’s already living in the governor’s mansion. An adviser says LePage and his family took up residence Sunday. Gov. John Baldacci already had moved out, and it’s not uncommon for candidates to move in before the inauguration. The […]

Posted inOur View

Trio of stories shows 2011 is off to a bright start

Three recent stories suggest 2011 is off to a great, optimistic start. The first involves Richard Gregoire, who is dedicated to brightening his corner of the world in Lewiston, and we mean “corner” literally. Gregoire programs the eight-foot electric sign on the kiosk outside The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy. The board was originally intended to advertise […]

Posted inMaine, The Franklin Journal

Political Pulse: Using anonymity to shape debate

Nuggets from the notebook while wondering how many political operatives will register their real names for the Sun Journal’s new online commenting policy …  Ever read the comments at the bottom of a political story and had the feeling that some of the posts weren’t personal opinions but rather the words of someone with a […]

Posted inMaine

LePage inauguration to match the man, economy

AUGUSTA — Aides for Gov.-elect Paul LePage say the Jan. 5 inauguration ceremony will mirror the incoming governor’s down-to-business personality and the times of austerity he’s inheriting. LePage will not give a long speech, or use a teleprompter. And there will be no lavish ball, just a short reception with a cash bar.  There will, […]

Posted inMaine

Passenger rail advocates hope GOP keeps subsidies coming

Nationally, the debate over subsidizing passenger rail has largely been a partisan issue; Democrats have supported it, Republicans haven’t. For the most part, that division hasn’t been evident in Maine. With a new Republican governor and GOP-controlled state Legislature, supporters of the Amtrak Downeaster and passenger rail advocates are hoping for the status quo. However, […]

Posted inMaine, sj-web

LePage will be Maine Governor No. 74, maybe

AUGUSTA — Here we go again. The upcoming inauguration of Gov.-elect Paul LePage is stirring a bit of confusion around the State House over what number the Republican gets in the succession of Maine chief executives. Is he governor No. 70? No. 74? Something in between? LePage’s team is politely walking away from the debate […]

Posted inMaine, Oxford Hills

Millett to head state financial post

AUGUSTA — When it comes to constructing the state’s next biennial budget, Waterford’s Sawin Millett will be one of Gov.-elect Paul LePage’s go-to guys. Millett, 73, a former state legislator, was named the commissioner of the Department of Administration and Financial Services during a press conference held at the State House Hall of Flags on […]