The longtime Republican lawmaker is unenrolling from the party as he launches his campaign to succeed Gov. Janet Mills.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Nearly 400 new Maine laws passed this session. More are coming.
Lawmakers have largely concluded their work for the year, though they are expected to return to Augusta this week to make funding decisions on remaining bills.
Rep. Libby’s attempt to speak on votes missed due to censure sparks debate in Maine House
The Auburn Republican’s bid to read her votes into the record came as lawmakers were finishing up their work for the year.
Maine lawmakers pass bill limiting police interaction with federal immigration authorities
LD 1971 was approved by narrow margins in both chambers and is headed to Gov. Janet Mills for her consideration.
Republican effort to overturn state budget with people’s veto falls short
The effort to overturn the $11.3 billion continuing services budget approved in March could have forced a government shutdown.
Maine Republicans, red flag opponents want to give voters another referendum option
A proposal unveiled Tuesday for a competing measure on the November ballot would make changes to the existing yellow flag law and include funding for mental health services.
Maine likely to remain in compact to choose presidents based on national popular vote
The Senate voted 18-16 against having Maine leave the multistate compact it joined last year pledging to give all of its electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate wins the popular vote nationwide, if the compact is enacted.
Bills on transgender athletes in girls sports divide lawmakers in Maine House
Lawmakers in the Maine House of Representatives gave initial support to a bill to bar transgender athletes in girls sports Friday night, while also narrowly rejecting a bill that would require teams be designated male, female or coed.
Maine lawmakers give initial approval to ban on untraceable ‘ghost guns’
The bill, which would prohibit untraceable firearms and require serial numbers on firearms, advanced in a 77-70 vote in the House of Representatives and 18-17 in the Senate.
Red flag hearing offers preview of Maine’s looming referendum battle
The office of Gov. Janet Mills testified against the red flag proposal, saying Maine’s existing yellow flag law is working and the requirement for a mental health evaluation is reasonable.