Google the name “Paul LePage” and the phrase “fiscal house in order” and you get more than 55,000 hits. Putting that house back in order was a major theme of his campaign. When Democratic Gov. John Baldacci moved out of the Blaine House and LePage moved in, there were two potentially crushing liabilities on the […]
Paul LePage
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Chapter 3: Friendlier toward job creators than environmentalists
The polls say it. And the pols say it. There’s nothing more important — at least in this economy — than jobs. So candidates promise to create more jobs — even though economists say job creation is a lot more complicated in this global economy than the people running for office want to admit. Paul […]
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Chapter 4: LePage targets the income tax rate
The left, the right and just about everyone in-between has long agreed on one thing about Maine’s taxes — the income tax had to be fixed. The main problem with it was that it treated working people like they were rich. The top 8.5 percent tax rate kicked in at an income level of $19,500. […]
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Chapter 5: LePage stays firmly to the right of the issues
“As your governor, you’re going to be seeing a lot of me on the front page …” You don’t need a fact-check on that one. From his admitted “big mouth” to his attacks on the legacy policies of Democratic rule, Paul LePage seems to be on Page 1 every day. For 16 years, Maine’s governors […]
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Chapter 6: LePage wants cheaper energy for Maine
“Maine’s energy costs are too high — and it’s killing economic opportunity.” – Gov. Paul LePage, 2013 state of the state address The high cost of energy in Maine has been one of the most consistent themes from the governor — and one of the hardest to do much about, so far. When LePage came […]
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Chapter 7: Drama overshadows LePage’s work on domestic violence and ethics
Julia Colpitts holds a master’s degree in social work, is a licensed clinical social worker and runs the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. On paper, she appears to be the very model of a modern liberal and the antithesis of someone who would respect Paul LePage. But Colpitts cannot be reduced to a stereotype. […]
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Chapter 8: ‘He really doesn’t care if anyone likes him’
Scene 1 Location: Dining room, Blaine House, the governor’s mansion. When: May 2013 Present: Gov. Paul LePage, First Lady Ann LePage, Communications Director Peter Steele and a reporter with a recording device. ANN (to her husband): One thing — you’ve never forgotten where you come from, ever. ANN (to the reporter): That’s my job — […]
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LePage’s opponents get worked up over ’47 percent’ remark
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday came under fire from political opponents after a liberal activist and blogger published an audio clip in which the governor told a friendly crowd that “47 percent of able-bodied people in Maine don’t work.” The number isn’t backed up by any official labor statistics. LePage’s communications staff didn’t […]
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LePage to visit group supporting dyslexic youth
AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage will meet with members of an educational group that provides resources and tutoring for children with dyslexia. The Republican governor is expected to visit with Project D.E.B.U.N.K on Monday at Maine State Library. LePage has proclaimed October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. The group works to improve the lives of […]
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LePage lifts Maine’s civil emergency
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage announced Friday afternoon that the statewide civil emergency he called in response to the federal government shutdown is over. LePage declared a civil emergency by proclamation on Oct. 9, eight days after the federal government shutdown began Oct. 1. He said at the time that it was a precautionary measure […]