As top Democrats continued their calls for LePage’s resignation, a fissure has emerged between House and Senate Republicans over whether the self-described straight talker is taking enough responsibility for his remarks and whether legislative action should be ruled out.

The governor has also gotten an earful from top Republicans across the country, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. “He said, ‘What the hell are you doing?'” LePage told WLOB talk radio on Wednesday. LePage said he’s had “long chats” with Christie and Florida GOP Gov. Rick Scott.

What follows is a roundup of developments Wednesday in the controversy that has been dogging LePage for a week:

GOP Chairman Rick Bennett admits LePage has flaws

UPDATED 4:28 P.M.: The chairman of the Maine Republican Party says he doesn’t deny that GOP Gov. Paul LePage has flaws, but he also believes the governor is a passionate fighter for the state’s people.

GOP Chairman Rick Bennett said Wednesday that residents are “understandably outraged” by comments recently made by LePage.

Last week, the governor left an obscene message on the voicemail of a Democratic legislator and accused minorities of driving Maine’s heroin crisis.

Bennett says Maine residents have also “benefited greatly” from LePage’s time as governor. LePage was elected in 2010. Bennett says LePage has demonstrated his commitment to the state by focusing on issues such as economic growth.

Thibodeau isn’t sure what to do next

UPDATED 12:42 P.M.: Republican Senate President Mike Thibodeau said Wednesday that he is personally struggling over whether Gov. Paul LePage’s response Wednesday morning to the controversy surrounding him was enough.

“We’d be in denial if we didn’t think this was a disappointing situation,” said Thibodeau to a gaggle of reporters in the Maine Senate chamber. “We all want to see our governor be successful and be OK.”

Thibodeau has been the spearhead among Republicans who have criticized the governor’s remarks in recent days. As of Tuesday evening, he and his counterpart in the House of Representatives — Minority Leader Ken Fredette — were at odds. Fredette and House Republicans have opted to put the situation behind them and move on.

“I can’t change their minds,” said Thibodeau, who said he is also doing nothing to lobby Republican Senators one way of the other. “A lot of this is about relationships and relationships are frayed.”

“What I’m sure of is that we can’t continue to have the explosiveness that we’ve seen,” said Thibodeau.

Earlier Wednesday, LePage told reporters regarding the Senate: “I’m sorry, but they can’t get everything they want.”

— Christopher Cousins, Bangor Daily News

N.Y. comedian says he wanted to agitate Gov. Paul LePage at town hall

Vice News has a first-person story from the man who prompted Gov. Paul LePage’s remarks on drug dealers last week — Andrew Ritchie, a black comedian from Brooklyn.

Read more about why a New York comedian went to the town hall to agitate LePage from Michael Shepherd of Bangor Daily News.

LePage denies any mental health issues but will seek spiritual guidance

UPDATED 11:16 A.M.: Maine Gov. Paul LePage is rejecting some lawmakers’ assertions that he has addiction or mental health issues and is vowing that he won’t resign.

Addressing a handful of reporters Wednesday, the Republican said he’s not an alcoholic or drug addict and doesn’t “have mental issues.”

In recent days, legislators have called for LePage to step down or get professional help after his remarks to Gattine and comments he made blaming blacks and Hispanics for Maine’s heroin epidemic. LePage, who’s Roman Catholic, responded Wednesday by saying he wouldn’t resign and instead intended to seek “spiritual guidance.” He did not elaborate on what that involved.

His wife said in a statement to the media that the family believed God would help them through the situation.

“We have always been a family of faith and we recognize that the grace and guidance from God can make us stronger in life,” first lady Ann LePage wrote.

 — From The Associated Press

LePage says he won’t speak to the press anymore

UPDATED 10:57 A.M.: In a news conference with select members of the media, Gov. Paul LePage blamed the media for creating and fueling the controversy. 

LePage said he accepted Rep. Drew Gattine’s explanation that he never called LePage a racist — which is what deeply offends the governor. The reporter who told LePage that Gattine called him a racist needs to apologize, he said.

LePage said he doesn’t intend to talk to the media anymore, a claim he has made before.

— Staff  and AP report

LePage says he won’t resign but will seek ‘spiritual guidance’

UPDATED 10:53 A.M.: Gov. Paul LePage said he won’t resign in a Wednesday news conference, a day after stoking speculation that it was on the table after his comments about Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook.

He released a statement after a meeting with Gattine on Wednesday morning, saying he’s seeking “spiritual guidance.”

Talking to reporters, he rejected statements from some, including Sen. Amy Volk, R-Scarborough, that have raised substance abuse or mental illness as possible explanations for his behavior.

“I will not resign, though,” he said. “My family are behind me and I’m going to win this battle of getting rid of the wait list.”

— Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News

LePage, Gattine meet

UPDATED 10:09 A.M.: AUGUSTA — Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage has met with a Democratic lawmaker to apologize for leaving an obscene rant on his voicemail and for making a comment about aiming a gun between his eyes.

The governor’s office released a statement of apology Wednesday morning. “To the Maine people, I am asking for forgiveness. Comments I have expressed recently are unacceptable, and I apologize sincerely for using such disrespectful language as your Governor,” wrote LePage. “Also, I would like to express an apology to the Gattine family. I understand how hurtful statements affect a family and regret that my words have upset your lives. For this I am truly sorry.”

Rep. Drew Gattine said Wednesday that despite the apology he thinks LePage should no longer serve as governor.

LePage concluded his voicemail by saying “I am after you” and then told reporters he wished he could go back in time so he could challenge Gattine to a duel and point a gun “right between his eyes.”

LePage said he was angry because Gattine called him a racist, something Gattine has denied.

LePage has stood by his comments that started the controversy. He has said repeatedly blacks and Hispanics are responsible for fueling Maine’s heroin epidemic.

— The Associated Press