Westbrook, MAINE - The exit of Senate President Mike Thibodeau from the Republican primary for governor has nearly everyone in agreement: the race to the right is on as the remaining Republican candidates work hard to mimic Paul LePage in an effort to appeal to his hardline voters.
“Mike Thibodeau learned the hard way that disagreeing with Paul LePage isn’t going to help you win the Republican primary,” said Phil Bartlett, Chairman of the Maine Democratic Party. “And now, without Thibodeau, this race is about to become even more extreme as each Republican tries to out-Lepage the next.”
***What’s They’re Saying***
“Thibodeau’s stance against LePage at times has earned him a reputation for moderation in the eyes of many [...] Regardless, there is little question that in the eyes of many voters, the GOP gubernatorial field has shifted to the ideological right.” - Bangor Daily News Daily Brief
“Thibodeau’s turbulent relationship with LePage could have helped during the November general election but might have hurt him among the more conservative Republicans who typically participate in party primaries. And the four remaining candidates all have close ties to LePage, at some level.” - Portland Press Herald
“Thibodeau came up in Maine politics as a steady social conservative, but he has become best-known for recent battles with Gov. Paul LePage, a fellow Republican who is looming over the intraparty race to pick his successor. [...] The other candidates in the race [...] have attached themselves to the governor in varying degrees.” - Bangor Daily News
“Although he started his political career as a conservative firebrand, Thibodeau was viewed by some as a pragmatist in a Republican primary field that has attempted to capture supporters of hardliner Gov. Paul LePage.” - Maine Public Radio
“Senator Thibodeau might have been an alternative candidate for some. He’s appealed somewhat to moderates who liked the fact that he opposed Governor LePage.” - NEWS CENTER Maine
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