LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A Republican congressional hopeful in a extremely aggressive Maine race is spreading misinformation in regards to the state’s housing insurance policies, public housing administrators stated.
Former Rep. Bruce Poliquin is difficult Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who narrowly defeated the Republican in 2018. Throughout his marketing campaign, Poliquin has relayed a narrative a couple of lady residing in her automotive who allegedly advised him she was taken off a housing listing due to immigrants who’re residing within the nation illegally.
Poliquin, who has centered his marketing campaign on points corresponding to curbing immigration and defending gun rights, used the anecdote as a part of his argument for elevated border safety.
The Maine Affiliation of Public Housing Authority Administrators rebuked the story on Thursday with an announcement to the Bangor Every day Information that didn’t title the candidate however got here in response to his statements. The assertion stated: “Such misinformation erodes belief within the public housing system on which so many people and households rely for secure, high quality reasonably priced housing, and it can’t be left uncorrected.”
Eligibility for federal housing help is restricted to U.S. residents and noncitizens who’ve eligible immigration standing, federal guidelines state.
Poliquin advised the story throughout an interview with WCSH-TV when he stated he met the lady at a Lewiston occasion. He stated she advised him she was on the prime of the listing to get an residence however was “bumped down the listing as a result of of us have come to this nation illegally.”
Roy Mathews, a spokesperson for Poliquin, stated on Friday that the story is real however gave no proof to corroborate it.
“Bruce was elevating this middle-aged homeless lady’s voice and expertise together with her want for housing out there in Maine,” he stated. “This actuality may be very troubling.”
The attraction of Trump-style politics has grown within the district for the reason that 2018 election regardless of the very fact it’s represented by Golden, a reasonable Democrat. Poliquin, who represented the 2nd District as a reasonable Republican from 2014 to 2018, has shifted his personal messaging rightward to attempt to reap the benefits of these headwinds.