AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Gubernatorial candidates say it’s time to renew focus on economic challenges facing the rural state following Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s eight years steadying Maine’s finances.
The Associated Press polled Maine’s Republican, Democratic, independent and third-party registered candidates ahead of the June primary. Candidates largely agreed that the fiscally conservative governor has improved the state’s financial situation, but disagree how best to address the Maine’s aging and shrinking workforce.
They split along partisan lines on adult-use marijuana sales and ranked-choice voting.
The 2018 race is shaping up to be as much a referendum on LePage’s record as a chance for dialogue about the nation’s oldest state’s economic struggles and potential. The term-limited governor has sworn he’ll work up until his last day in office.
