Paul LePage will no doubt go down in Maine history as one of our most controversial governors. His growing laundry list of scandals has surpassed his political adversaries’ wildest hopes and dreams. But beyond that, it has forced a wedge between Maine’s Republicans, creating a division that will no doubt prove difficult to mend in future elections.

Maine is intriguing politically because it almost appears as its own microcosm, separate from the seemingly insane national politics. During an era in which the American people are the most politically polarized, Maine continues to surprise amateur analysts such as myself with its healthy contingent of political moderates and independents.

Whether or not LePage allegedly abuses his executive authority is ultimately unimportant, as his office has spent every cent of political capital in the legislative battleground and surrounding mire of controversy.

Where does this leave us for future elections? Will LePage’s tenure as governor be a cautionary tale for radical conservatism, or a rallying cry for the Mainers he supposedly represents? I would personally hope the past five years pushes Mainers toward the center, no matter if they’re a bleeding-heart liberal or a red-blooded conservative.

The American people witnessed partisan politics shut the entire nation down for almost three weeks in 2013. A healthy dose of communication, and the compromise that inevitably comes with it, is a refreshing ideal that should serve as an example for state governments across the country and the federal government itself.

Matthew Raymond

Augusta