Westbrook, MAINE – Maine Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett issued the following statement following tonight’s WMTW News 8 Republican gubernatorial debate:

“Tonight, Republicans had the opportunity to present a fresh vision for Maine – one that distinguishes their campaigns from Governor LePage’s years of failed policies and divisive leadership. Instead, they doubled-down on him.

“Running to the right is going to help one of them win their extreme primary, but at a time when our economy lags the nation’s, when the opioid crisis rages on unabated, when childhood poverty and hunger have increased, and when people still lack affordable, accessible health care, four more years of LePage’s backward policies are not the right answer.

“This election is about change. It’s about a new direction. Maine’s Democratic candidates have shown they are ready to move our state forward for hardworking families. The Republicans have only offered more of the same.”

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