Maine, nation react to Collins’ decision to vote ‘yes’ on Kavanaugh

Political leaders, organizations and figures from Maine and beyond flooded social media and other platforms Friday with reactions, both in agreement and opposition, after Sen. Susan Collins' announced she'd vote "yes" to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court - Maine Gov. Paul LePage said Collins' speech "was a testament to her diligence and commitment to the principles of fairness and due process": Maine's @SenatorCollins has always taken her responsibility to advise and consent on SCOTUS nominations seriously. Her speech this afternoon was a testament to her diligence and commitment to the principles of fairness and due process.

How LePage – and his veto pen – remade Maine politics

Gov. Paul LePage's legacy as Maine's 74th governor will be complex and varied, ranging from his conservative accomplishments to verbal explosions that put Maine in a negative national light. With three of his four terms spent as Democrats held legislative majorities, the Republican governor's veto became the most formidable weapon in his efforts to simultaneously advance his conservative agenda while thwarting liberal and moderate initiatives.

Maine’s Medicaid expansion funding bill faces long odds

Tens of thousands of Maine residents who could qualify for voter-approved Medicaid coverage face lingering questions on the expansion's fate as a funding plan lacks the House Republican votes needed to override the Republican governor's veto. Lawmakers are scheduled to return Monday and face about three dozen vetoes from Gov. Paul LePage, who rejected Medicaid expansion funding legislation and called for long-term funding.

As goes Maine, so goes the nation?

On the roster: As goes Maine, so goes the nation? - Dem dogfight in Nevada gubernatorial primary - Can Virginia Democrats match the spirit of '17? - House leaders scurry to block immigration vote - Follow up file: Well, irritable anyway AS GOES MAINE, SO GOES THE NATION? Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he might refuse to certify the results of today's Pine Tree State primary because Maine has moved to what political scientists call "ranked choice voting." It's understandable that LePage would be down on the concept since he almost certainly would have never been governor had the rule been in place when he first ran in 2010.

If marijuana boom is real, and it lasts, how long will Louisiana, other states resist?

Council member Tara Wicker, left, listens as colleague Matt Watson addresses his concerns regarding confusion behind the proposed marijuana ordinance during a meeting of the metro council, Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at City Hall in Baton Rouge, La. Council member Tara Wicker, left, listens as colleague Matt Watson addresses his concerns regarding confusion behind the proposed marijuana ordinance during a meeting of the metro council, Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at City Hall in Baton Rouge, La.

Analysis: Weed? No. Ita s the smell of money at pot expo

It was like any other big meeting you might see at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans: the attire was "business casual" and the conversations involved packaging, marketing, entrepreneurship, investment and growth in what is, literally, a budding industry. But there were no free samples at the product booths and there were explicit warnings in the convention program that possession and use of the featured product was strictly prohibited; a sensible stricture given that - even when the Marijuana Business Conference & Expo NEXT is in town - recreational use of marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana.

Gov, Paul LePage, Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, Congresswoman…

Gov, Paul LePage, Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Knox County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Tim Carroll -- a former president of the Maine Lobster Festival -- are among those people who will not be allowed to march in this year's Festival parade. The Festival Board voted Tuesday to exclude all political organizations and candidates from the annual parade held on the first Saturday of August.

In almost eight years, fewer than half of LePage’s proposed bills have become law

Gov. Paul LePage is leaving office this year with a bang, sponsoring more bills in the 128th Legislature than at any time in his tenure - but that doesn't mean his success is increasing as his administration succumbs to term limits. Since the beginning of the 128th Legislature in December 2016, LePage has sponsored 87 bills, but only 21 of them have made it into law so far - including three that he sponsored but then wouldn't sign, allowing them into law on their own.

The Latest: Mourners lining up hours early for Barbara Bush

People are commending Bush's dedication to literacy and education as they pay their final respects Friday during a public viewing at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She and her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, had long have worshipped at the church, where mourners lined up hours ahead of the public event.

Interior secretary: ‘Opposition’ to offshore drill plan

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke acknowledges there is "a lot of opposition" to President Donald Trump's plan to open most of the nation's coastline to oil and gas drilling. Speaking at a forum on offshore wind energy Friday in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Zinke touted Trump's "all of the above" energy menu that calls for oil and gas, as well as renewable energy projects.

Maine’s lame duck governor to work until ‘very last minute’

In this Sept. 22, 2017 file photo, Maine Gov. Paul LePage attends a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss health care and tax reform in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Complex in Washington.

Second White House Official Resigns Amid Reports Of Spousal Abuse

A White House speechwriter resigned Friday after his former wife claimed that he was violent and emotionally abusive during their turbulent 21 2 -year marriage - allegations that he vehemently denied, saying she was the one who victimized him. The abrupt departure of David Sorensen, a speechwriter who worked under senior policy adviser Stephen Miller, came as The Washington Post was reporting on a story about abuse claims by his ex-wife, Jessica Corbett.

Why it’s so much harder for Maine politicians to get along

In this file photo from January 2016, Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, speaks with House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, R-Newport, at the State House in Augusta. During his first term in office, Gov. Paul LePage became famous - or perhaps infamous, depending on your perspective - for his brash rhetoric and personal attacks, but in light of his success, the question becomes "Is it working?" There's no denying Maine's political discourse has become more uncivil.