AUGUSTA — Rep. Ben Chipman of Portland figured he had nothing to lose Thursday by asking legislative leaders to reconsider his bill requiring municipal candidates to disclose financial information earlier.

AUGUSTA — A majority of residents in Concord and Lexington townships, as well as Highland Plantation, have signed petitions opposing wind power development in their area of Somerset County.

AUGUSTA — A majority of residents in Concord and Lexington townships, as well as Highland Plantation, have signed petitions opposing wind power development in their area of Somerset County.

AUGUSTA — Rep. Ben Chipman of Portland figured he had nothing to lose Thursday by asking legislative leaders to reconsider his bill requiring municipal candidates to disclose financial information earlier.

AUGUSTA — A working group has signed off on a plan to replace the State Planning Office with one that would try to save money by making government more efficient. The proposal by Gov. Paul LePage still is subject to approval by the Legislature.

AUGUSTA — Maine Democrats see last week’s win on same-day voter registration as an indication that the tide is turning in Maine politics.

ELLSWORTH — Gov. Paul LePage on Thursday defended his proposal to give welfare recipients drug tests, saying he doesn’t want tax money going to support people’s drug habits.

AUGUSTA — Regional rivalries and concerns about a major statewide expansion of gambling doomed two ballot questions even though they promised new jobs in a tough economy, political analysts said Wednesday.