LePage promises to ‘right the ship’ at Maine GOP Convention

Former Gov. Paul LePage vowed to “proper the ship” if he wins a reelection bid this November.

In a 35-minute speech that headlined the Maine Republican Conference in Augusta Saturday, LePage reiterated previous pledges to part out the state’s earnings tax and move some form of voter identification regulation.

He spent a lot of his speech knocking his challenger, present Gov. Janet Mills, her response to the pandemic and what he described as out-of-control authorities spending. He criticized Maine for spending federal funds and mentioned he would stability the state’s funds if reelected.

“We’re hiding behind Uncle Joe’s cash,” LePage mentioned. “That cash’s short-term. It is one-time humorous cash, and it’ll run out. I assure you, they’ll spend it. In truth, she’s going to attempt to spend it earlier than November.”

LePage additionally vowed to reinstate nurses, firefighters and others who misplaced their jobs as a result of state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate with again pay, however he did not supply many particulars.

In Maine’s 2nd District race, Bruce Poliquin mentioned his expertise as a businessman and former two-term congressman is what Mainers want to repair rising costs and reverse out-of-control authorities spending.

Poliquin is combating for his previous seat again, and faces a problem within the upcoming Republican major from Liz Caruso, a Caratunk city selectman and businesswoman.

In his speech earlier than Republican leaders and grassroots activists on the conference, Poliquin reminded the group of his experiences as Maine state treasurer and his time in Congress.

“I understand how this economic system works. I understand how jobs are created. No one on this race has the expertise and the confirmed track-record to repair a large number like this. I’ve carried out it earlier than, ” Poliquin mentioned.

On a number of events, Poliquin described himself as a central Maine, Franco-American businessman like former LePage.

Caruso hit on some acquainted Republican speaking factors whereas pitching herself as a wanted new face for rural Mainers in her speech on the conference.

In what was her first large speech in entrance of many Maine Republicans, Caruso promised to enact voter ID legal guidelines and eradicate COVID-19 mandates. She says medical and academic freedom are the 2 greatest points threatening Mainers.

“As your congresswoman, I will combat in opposition to all mandates and the federal government’s overreach into our bodily autonomy and our private well being choices,” Caruso mentioned. “Individuals could make their very own educated choices. If you wish to put on a masks or get a shot, nice. For those who do not, nice. That is freedom.”

Caruso serves on the Caratunk city selectman board and is generally recognized for her activism in opposition to the CMP hall.