AUGUSTA — Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves expanded his federal lawsuit Wednesday that alleges Republican Gov. Paul LePage pressured a school for at-risk youth where Eves was president into firing him. Eves’ lawsuit, filed last month, accused the governor of violating Eves’ First Amendment rights. He now argues the governor also violated Maine law. The lawsuit […]
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Posted inMaine
Collins, King urge feds to increase access for opioid treatment
The same day Republican Gov. Paul LePage reiterated his intent to use National Guard troops to fight Maine’s growing heroin problem, the state’s U.S. senators called on the federal government to increase access to treatment programs for painkiller addicts. Those addicted to prescription painkillers often use heroin as a substitute when they can no longer […]
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Latest Paul LePage missive could trigger 18,000 new pen pals for governor
AUGUSTA — In the latest in a series of handwritten messages, Republican Gov. Paul LePage denied he’s among a group of plaintiffs suing President Barack Obama. “I believe you mistake me for someone else,” LePage wrote in his note to Murshed Zaheed, an activist with the national group CREDO Action. “I do not have a lawsuit […]
Posted inMaine
Court rules against Gov. Paul LePage; 65 bills are law
PORTLAND — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has found that a set of 65 bills that Republican Gov. Paul LePage was contesting have become law. The opinion came just six days after the court heard lawyers for LePage and the Legislature’s caucus leaders make their case, with one side arguing LePage had missed his veto […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Maine’s high court hears LePage case against Legislature’s adjournment
PORTLAND — A set of questions that — depending on how they are answered — could tip Maine government on its ear were heard by the state’s highest court Friday. The justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court seemed to be carefully considering both sides as they prepared to give an advisory opinion to Republican […]
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Live Chat Replay: Panel discusses LePage’s questions before Maine’s high court
We will discuss the arguments before the justices with a panel of political and legal experts, including Steve Robinson, Lance Dutson and Peter Brann, as lawyers for the governor and the Legislature make their oral arguments starting at 9 a.m. Robinson is a former staffer for the Maine Heritage Policy Center and editor emeritus of […]
Posted inMaine
King offers federal bill to reduce wait for asylum seeking immigrants
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said Thursday he plans to introduce federal legislation to shorten the waiting period that prevents asylum-seeking immigrants from pursuing work to support themselves and their families. The issue has been a wrangling point for state and local officials in Maine who say immigrants waiting for work permits have come to […]
Posted inMaine
Maine Speaker files civil suit against Gov. LePage
AUGUSTA — House Speaker Mark Eves has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court against Republican Gov. Paul LePage. David Webbert, Eves’ attorney, filed the suit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Portland. The suit stems from LePage’s involvement with Eves’ employment and subsequent firing from the Good Will-Hinckley School in Fairfield. Eves, D-North Berwick, […]
Posted inMaine
Bill to set up vets commission stuck in LePage’s legal limbo
AUGUSTA — A bill that creates a short-term task force of veterans to review and make recommendations for change to the state’s Bureau of Veterans Services is among a group of 65 bills in legal limbo as the Legislature and Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s lawyers prep to duke it out in the state’s highest court. […]
Posted inMaine
LIVE CHAT: Friday on LePage’s case before Maine’s high court
Join us Friday online for a live chat on Gov. Paul LePage’s case before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. We will discuss the arguments before the justices with a panel of political and legal experts including Steve Robinson, Lance Dutson and Peter Brann as lawyers for the governor and the Legislature make their oral arguments […]