The four Republican candidates for governor addressed the state GOP convention over the weekend.While all shared praise for Gov. Paul LePage’s record, they also tried to show party delegates how they differ from each other on issues.
Former Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew cited her record on welfare reform, and promised the cheering delegates that she would bolster enforcement of immigration laws.
“When I’m governor, illegal immigrants won’t get welfare, but they will get a knock on the door from ICE agents with Maine State Police standing next to them, shoulder to shoulder,” Mayhew said.
Businessperson Shawn Moody got a boost from an endorsement by First Lady Ann LePage, and he painted himself as an outsider in contrast to his opponents, all of whom have had careers in government or politics.
“We can’t put up a candidate who has limited life experience, no real job creation experience, or who offers more that the other side already has, a life or career almost solely focused on government,” Moody said.
House GOP Leader Ken Fredette stressed his eight years of support for LePage’s tax cuts and welfare reform. He told the delegates that he is a proven conservative leader.
“I’m running for governor because I think leadership matters,” Fredette said. "And it’s not just talking about being a Republican, it’s not just talking about conservative Republican values, it’s about doing the job.”
Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason challenged the delegates to look to the future and to improving Maine’s economy.
“I need you to have faith in me based on what I have already done, not only on what I promise to do,” said Mason. “I need you to have faith in yourselves and all of us as a people.”
Also at the convention, Gov. LePage used his speech to blame Democrats for the stalemate holding up key legislation. LePage warned that if an agreement is not reached on those unresolved issues, including school funding, funding for special needs services and addiction treatment and bond package proposals for road and bridge repair, some programs will run out of money before the new Legislature takes office.
Lepage blamed House Democrats, particularly House Speaker Sara Gideon, for refusing to sit down and negotiate. He told the party-faithful that important programs such as home-based care services will run out of money if the Legislature does not act.
“There are some organizations that won’t make it until January,” LePage said. “They are going to run out of money because the Democrats don’t want to sit down and talk about it.”
He also says Maine’s tax laws must be made to conform with federal code soon so that there will be time to implement any changes before next January.
“What do we need? We need the Democrats to come to work, be willing to sit down, and do what is necessary for Mainers,” said LePage.
Democrats point blame for the legislative impasse on House Republicans, who they say are refusing to negotiate.
The GOP state convention wrapped up Saturday afternoon.
