BOSTON (AP) A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of Maine’s former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in a lawsuit accusing him of abuse of power.

The full 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston held Wednesday that LePage has immunity from a claim that he discriminated against former Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves on the basis of political affiliation. The court affirmed the dismissal of Eves’ federal and state claims.

Eves contends the governor overstepped his authority when he used a threat to withhold funding to force a charter school operator to rescind a job offer.

But the court’s opinion says the Supreme Court has long held policymakers can be let go from their position because of political affiliation.

LePage’s lawyers say he’s pleased to put the matter behind him.