Maine Democratic Party

Press Releases

For Immediate Release:
July 28, 2010

Contact:
Mary Erin Casale
mecasale@mainedems.org

LePage: No More Interviews

PORTLAND- Saturday was a busy day for Republican candidate Paul LePage. Following several weeks of limited press availability, LePage attended whistle stop events in Bath, Brunswick and other cities. At these events, LePage attacked Arden Manning, campaign manager for Victory 2010, promised to "send liberal Democrats to the unemployment line" and took aim at Democratic nominee for Governor Libby Mitchell. LePage's controversial statement's created a flurry in the Maine press and attracted some national attention. 

 On Monday, the Democratic Party called on Paul LePage to apologize to them and their campaign manager for his remarks against Mr. Manning. Paul remained silent on all the issues, until he made an unscheduled call to the Bangor radio station WVOM. In an interview live with George Hale and Ric Tyler, Mr. LePage effectively withdrew himself from the ongoing public debate saying he would no longer make any more comments to reporters. The exact exchange went as follows:
WVOM: This is what's going to happen in political campaigns, how do we keep this above board? How do we keep this straight?
LePage: Well from now on, what I'm gonna do, I'm not gonna make any more comments to reporters unless it's in writing.
WVOM: Really? Huh.
 
"Instead of answering the hard questions, LePage is ducking reporters inquiries. The point of a free press is that they don't show you the questions in advance," said Arden Manning Victory 2010 Campaign Manager.   
 
Mr. LePage has not provided any clarification on his statement or if he would amend his new policy by participating in any live, televised debates. 
 
 

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