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For Immediate Release:
July 21, 2010

Contact:
Mary Erin Casale
mecasale@mainedems.org
(207) 619-4336

LePage on Open Debate: No Chance in Hell

 
AUGUSTA-- Last week, Paul LePage made the following statements regarding the Maine State Employees Association (MSEA) which represents Maine state workers.  
"There's absolutely no chance in holy hell that those guys are going to support me or endorse me," said Paul LePage in an interview with the Portland Press Herald. (http://www.pressherald.com/news/union-seeks-apology-from-candidate_2010-07-15.html)

Democrats view this sort of flippant response as an indicator of LePage's inability to work with those with whom he may disagree, "MSEA has endorsed candidates of all political parties, so it is troubling that LePage refused to answer a simple questionnaire. This is an admission by LePage that he is unable to work with those whom he feels are on the other side of the political spectrum," said Arden Manning campaign manager for Victory 2010. "We need a Governor who can work with Democrats and Republicans because we cannot afford to elect someone who will create blind partisan gridlock. LePage's inability to even listen to those with whom he disagrees, demonstrates that he is not ready to lead."   
 
LePage has a history of other outlandish and extreme statements that may land him in hot water as the campaign progresses. He stated that "It's illegal to put Poland Spring water into the Kennebec River."  (http://www.insidemainebusiness.tv/blog/post/paul-lepage-r) and that half of Maine's population is a bunch of "kooks..." (http://www.kjonline.com/news/sunday-hunting-splits-candidates.html)LePage has been noticeably reticent in speaking with the press since winning the nomination, perhaps to avoid yet another gaffe.
 
When asked specifically why he did not fill out the SEIU questionnaire LePage's campaign told the Press Herald that they just "didn't see the benefit." Manning responded, "There is always a benefit to open and honest debate even with those on the other side. It is clear that LePage is not ready to be the Governor for all of Maine."

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