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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