AUGUSTA — Two years ago, members of the tea party took the GOP convention by surprise, forcing passage of a conservative party platform calling for, among other things, congressional term limits, eliminating the Department of Education, investigating “collusion between government and industry in the global warming myth,” and adopting controversial economic policies.

AUGUSTA — Two years ago, members of the tea party took the GOP convention by surprise, forcing passage of a conservative party platform calling for, among other things, congressional term limits, eliminating the Department of Education, investigating “collusion between government and industry in the global warming myth,” and adopting controversial economic policies.

AUGUSTA — U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and the six Republicans who want to replace her will highlight the Maine Republican State Convention this weekend in Augusta.

AUGUSTA — The state mistakenly paid $10.7 million to medical providers over a two-year period for patients who were ineligible for the Medicaid services they received, Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew said Friday.

NEWPORT — Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday state government continues to be too big and too expensive, and part of the problem is the state work force.

NEWPORT — Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday state government continues to be too big and too expensive, and part of the problem is the state work force.

AUGUSTA — A bill to ease pay restrictions on retired teachers who return to work will have slim chances for passage when it goes to the Legislature next month.

AUGUSTA — A bill to ease pay restrictions on retired teachers who return to work will have slim chances for passage when it goes to the Legislature next month.