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Maine Legislators Not Sure What to Do With Their Governor

Democrats want impeachment, Republicans say that's not going to happen after LePage's latest outburst

Maine Gov. Paul LePage greets the crowd before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in Portland, Maine, in August. (Sarah Rice/Getty Images file photo)
Maine Gov. Paul LePage greets the crowd before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in Portland, Maine, in August. (Sarah Rice/Getty Images file photo)

State legislators in Maine are unsure how to deal with controversial Gov. Paul LePage after meeting Thursday to decide what to do after his last outburst.

LePage initially hinted he would resign but then retracted and said he would not speak to the media again. On Wednesday, he said he was seeking spiritual guidance.

Democratic legislators are calling for LePage to resign or for his impeachment after he said he wished he could duel with a Democratic legislator. He left a profanity-laced email on state Rep. Drew Gattine’s voicemail, but later apologized, saying he thought Gattine had called him a racist. Gattine said he didn’t call LePage a racist and accepted his apology but said he thinks the governor should resign.

However, Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau said impeachment was off the table. 

Democrats control the state House in Maine while Republicans control the Senate

The Republican House minority leader said he opposed LePage’s conduct, but said Republicans were opposed to a special session to punish LePage on the grounds that it would cost $43,000 a day.

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