PAUL LEPAGE IS RUNNING FOR A SECOND TERM. SURPRISED?

The facebook page I created "Paul Lepage Must Resign" has garnered a pretty decent following.(1200+ likes) I started the page when Governor Lepage spewed forth his outrageous statement aimed at State Sen Troy Jackson and the working people of Maine. In contemplating the fallout from those remarks, and the national coverage, I hope that opposition to Lepage has galvanized in our state.

In the wake of Vaseline-gate, the legislature overrode Lepage's veto of the bipartisan budget. This seems to have plucked Lepage's dictatorial feathers more than the negative reaction to his tirade. He made rumblings that he would not seek a second term and that he might be interested in the second district US Congressional seat. Of course, we now know he IS running for reelection as Governor. This was announced at last nights closed-to-the-press Lepage fundraiser with Jeb Bush in Kennebunkport. I am hardly surprised.

You see, I think Lepage is a megalomaniac who seems to be absolutely sure of his self righteousness. He knows that, even if he did run for the Second District seat and won, which is highly unlikely, he would not have the power he has over the poor people of Maine.

And, I hate to say it, but it is not impossible that he could again squeak through. His latest troubles with his big mouth might have time to fade in some of the voter's minds, and he is again facing a split field,. Democrat Mike Michaud and Democrat turned independent Eliot Cutler will face off with him. Of course, the likelihood of the Governor's idiotic comments continuing on are pretty high.

My fear is that Eliot Cutler will try to discredit Mike Michaud in Southern Maine. Michaud is somewhat of a blue dog Democrat and is not the smoothest speaker. Michaud does have great support from Unions, Veterans (for whom he has done a lot), and many more working class Democrats. Hopefully this will be enough to put him over the top. Wouldn't it be great if Lepage came in third in a field of three?

I also think the Republicans will lose more seats in our legislature, hopefully resulting in a veto proof majority. This would prevent a repeat of the largely successful string of vetoes that have occurred in Lepage's first term. Of course, that is if he is able to finagle a second term.

The election is over a year away, and we Mainers, who are united against this Governor, need to keep our eyes on the prize. The prize being getting this ignoramus out of office and into the private sector. (Marden's anyone?) I personally hope that Cutler and Michaud do not tear each other apart, thereby damaging both their candidacies.