Maine Governor Seeking 'Spiritual Guidance' After Homophobic Remarks

AUGUSTA, ME — Embattled Maine Gov. Paul LePage, who made global headlines after making racially charged and homophobic remarks, said he's turning to God after admitting his comments were "unacceptable." The second-term governor refused to resign, however, and said he's done giving interviews to the media.

LePage was caught leaving a voicemail for State Rep. Drew Gattine, a Democrat from Westbrook, calling him a "son-of-a-b----, socialist c---------." He then organized a news conference and said he imagined pointing a gun at Gattine. Those comments followed a public forum where he blamed Maine's drug problem on out-of-state black and Hispanic dealers.

“To the Maine people, I am asking for forgiveness," LePage said in a statement Wednesday. "Comments I have expressed recently are unacceptable, and I apologize sincerely for using such disrespectful language."

LePage said he will seek "spiritual guidance" to move forward.

“We always have been a family of faith, and we recognize that the grace and guidance from God can make us stronger in life,” his wife, Ann, added in the statement.

LePage met privately with Gattine and apologized.

"I would like to express an apology to the Gattine family," LePage's statement continued. "I understand how hurtful statements affect a family and regret that my words have upset your lives. For this I am truly sorry.”

On Tuesday, LePage told WVOM-FM he considered resigning, saying he was unsure if had enough support from lawmakers on either side of the aisle to do his job. His term ends in January 2019.

"I'm looking at all options," LePage told the radio station. "We have to move Maine forward, whether it's me or somebody else."

But a few hours after the interview, LePage retreated from those comments:

"Regarding rumors of resignation, to paraphrase Mark Twain: 'The reports of my political demise are greatly exaggerated.'"

Democrats called on LePage to resign.

"Paul LePage is not mentally or emotionally fit to hold office," Assistant House Democratic Leader Sara Gideon, a Democrat from Freeport, said in a statement. "His words and actions have crossed a line."

Also on Tuesday, hundreds organized a rally in Augusta calling for the governor's resignation.

LePage held another news conference Wednesday and blamed the media.

"You folks live in a 7-second fiction world," he said. "I live in 24-hour reality world."

He continued,"I will no longer speak to the press ever again after today. Everything will be put in writing. I am tired of being caught, the gotcha moments."

On the topic of drug dealers, LePage said, "I am not apologizing for anyone who sells poison and kills a person."

On his governing style, he admitted problems with his temperament but said he works hard for his constituents.

"I get involved with people in hardship," he said, citing a recent case where he helped a Colombian woman find a job. "I'm just not a very good politician. Thank you."

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• Maine Governor Said He's Considering Resigning
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Photo: Maine.gov