Election officials here say voters of both major parties trust that Maine’s elections are free and fair because they are run by local towns and by people who are well known in the community.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine Republicans launch attack ads in 4 state Senate races
It’s the largest ad buy since Labor Day, the traditional start of the fall campaign season, and comes after Democrats mailed flyers opposing a Republican candidate trying to flip a Senate seat in Windham.
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Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Question 3 asks voters to support $10 million bond for historic buildings
Voters will weigh a proposal to borrow $10 million to help restore old buildings owned by government agencies or nonprofits across the state.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Question 1 would cap contributions to certain political action committees
Voters will be asked if they want to limit PAC contributions to $5,000. The measure is likely to be challenged in court if it passes.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, Politics
Campaigns clash over gun rights in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race
Incumbent Rep. Jared Golden questions Austin Theriault’s commitment to Second Amendment rights following a report that the Republican challenger called police about a man ‘walking onto his front porch holding an AR-15.’
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Former Pence chief of staff says Trump played ‘central role’ in Jan. 6 ahead of speech in Maine
Still, in an interview with the Press Herald, Marc Short said the former president doesn’t represent a threat to democracy, as Democrats contend. Short will speak to students Wednesday at Colby College.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills agrees to $2,000 checks for state workers, new pay study
The agreement is expected to cost an estimated $23 million and stems from a labor complaint filed in February by the largest union representing state employees.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, Politics
Races to watch: Control of the Maine State House is at stake
Which party is in the majority could come down to a few hundred votes scattered across a dozen or so districts.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Who will win control of the Maine Legislature this November?
Insiders expect a tough battle in both the House and Senate, with Democrats defending more open seats and Republicans hoping voters are hungry for change.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Democrats criticize Windham state representative who attended Jan. 6 rally
House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham called Democrats ‘pathetic’ for making an issue out of Rep. Barbara Bagshaw’s attendance at the Jan. 6, 2021, rally, saying she did nothing wrong by attending former President Donald Trump’s ‘Stop the Steal’ rally.