Maine’s Republican senior senator ranked 16th on the annual list for being a crucial vote on a host of policy issues, including the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions.
Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Cape council hears views on proposed deal to end dispute over Surf Side land access
Some speakers favor giving up the town’s claim to the strip of seaside land for the sake of closure, but others say they’ll fight that in court and it feels like the town is being bought.
Two registered sex offenders in Old Town plead guilty to possessing, distributing child porn
One of the men also pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation for posing as a teenager online and persuading two different minors to send sexually explicit videos.
Bath firefighter on leave after OUI arrest during emergency call
James Perry was arrested after he responded to a report of a possible drowning and police suspected he was impaired.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul visits Maine to stump for Republican Eric Brakey
Brakey, a two-term state senator, is challenging independent U.S. Sen. Angus King.
Survey shows older Maine voters evenly split between Mills and Moody for governor
An AARP Maine poll of 804 voters older than 50 also indicates Sen. Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree have big leads among those voters, and Rep. Bruce Poliquin is in a tight race against a Democratic challenger.
Fewer foster parents on the front lines
A lack of resources and support has marred the experience for many of those who take in kids. Even as Maine reforms its child protection system, the need for placements will only continue to grow.
LePage urged to apologize for ‘disrespectful’ outburst at Republican lawmaker
In an unprecedented letter to the governor, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee says his actions – including calling a state senator a ‘repugnant human being’ – were undignified and disrespectful.
LePage’s proposed reforms to child protection system get mixed reaction at hearing
Bills to increase investment in caseworkers and foster families get support before a legislative committee, but lawmakers also hear complaints about systemic problems that have worsened because of the erosion in social services.
Challengers’ task: Portray Sen. King as out of touch
That’s no easy feat given the Maine independent’s popularity, but two millennial candidates are ready to tango on North Korea, guns and Trump.