The 5-member Ethics Commission levied a $75 fine against Rep. Sue Bernard for not including a financial disclosure on a letter sent to Aroostook County residents.
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.
In a city of divided loyalties, Lewiston voters cite economy and abortion as top concerns
Both Gov. Janet Mills and former Gov. Paul LePage have carried the city on their previous paths to the Blaine House.
Poll: Economic issues top Maine voter concerns, abortion ranks lower
The Pan Atlantic Research of Portland poll released Thursday suggests that voters are not blaming high prices and taxes on incumbent Gov. Janet Mills, who held a 10 percentage-point lead among poll respondents over former two-term, Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
Lawyers with Office of Maine Attorney General representing both sides in records dispute
A deputy attorney general will file a lawsuit against a state agency represented by the Office of the Maine Attorney General.
Maine lawmakers vote to sue state agency to gain access to child death records
A committee takes the unusual step of suing Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services after agency officials did not comply with a subpoena seeking records of four children who have died from abuse or neglect.
Spending by outside groups surges with 3 weeks left until election
An increase in spending means Maine residents should prepare for even more ads supporting or attacking the candidates for governor.
Democrats, allies are spending big in bid to keep control of Maine’s Legislature
If successful, Democrats would maintain the ability to elect constitutional officers, set the policy agenda and block policy proposals from former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, should he defeat Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Nov. 8.
Ad Watch: Out-of-state group falsely accuses Gov. Mills of increasing gas tax
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills was initially skeptical about a bill that would have added 40 cents a gallon to carbon fuels and Democratic lawmakers abandoned the bill in committee amid Republican-led opposition.
Pingree and Thelander clash over support for the lobster industry in 1st Congressional District debate
Republican Ed Thelander apologized for referring to federal fisheries regulators as rapists and Rep. Chellie Pingree chastised him for dismissing her efforts to help.
Early and absentee voting underway in Maine
So far, Democrats are requesting six out of every 10 absentee ballots – a much higher rate than Republicans.