AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage, upset that the Maine Democratic Party has dispatched a tracker to film him in public, canceled his Tuesday meeting with the incoming Legislature’s Democratic leaders that was to be the governor’s first meeting with them and an opportunity for the three to discuss the state’s budget situation.
In a statement released by his office, LePage said a tracker from the Democratic Party filmed him at a Veteran’s Day event last month and attended a Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce event in Rockport Tuesday morning where LePage spoke about his policy priorities. At the Veteran’s Day event, LePage said, the tracker filmed him as he spoke with an elderly veteran with deteriorating health.
“There was no need to have filmed this private discussion for political purposes,” LePage said in his statement. “The people of Maine are not props, and I will not allow these special interest groups to use them to score political points.”
The tracker paid to attend Tuesday’s Chamber event but did not film it, said Staci Coomer, the Chamber’s executive director. In consultation with LePage’s office, Coomer said, “we did not allow the recording of the event.”
Later Tuesday morning, LePage challenged the incoming Democratic legislative leaders to call on their party to stop tracking him and said he wouldn’t meet with them until they do. LePage was set to meet with Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland, the presumptive Senate president, and Rep. Mark Eves of North Berwick, the presumptive House speaker.
“If Democrats want to work together, they will publicly call for an end to this distasteful practice,” LePage said. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Lizzy Reinholt, a Democratic Party spokeswoman, said the party’s tracker obtains permission from event organizers to attend and film LePage.
“He’s just there to be a bystander and take video and that’s it,” Reinholt said. “He’s not supposed to cause ruckus, ask any questions, just to get tape and leave.
“The Democratic leaders in Augusta at the State House are working hard to put their best foot forward and work with the governor,” Reinholt said. “Instead, the governor is looking for excuses and delivering ultimatums for why he doesn’t want to meet with him. This is a perfect example of that.”
In a joint statement, Alfond and Eves said they were disappointed LePage canceled their meeting.
“We have very serious fiscal challenges before us and we were looking forward to meeting with the governor to get to work,” Eves said. “The problems we face are too big for one party to solve alone.”
“We continue to stand ready to work with the governor,” Alfond said. “We have to put party politics aside if we are going to get to work on strengthening our economy and rebuilding our middle class. The task is too great to be squandered by fighting before we even get started.”
“Tracking” has become a common tactic in the political world, in which political campaigns and organizations dispatch an operative with a handheld camera to film political opponents in public. During the campaign for Maine’s open U.S. Senate seat this fall, Sen.-elect Angus King often made references to a Republican tracker filming him at public events.
Alfond and Eves had been attempting to schedule a meeting with LePage since shortly after last month’s elections, when Democrats captured majorities in the House and Senate. They were scheduled to sit down with the Republican governor for 15 minutes Tuesday between mandatory legislative training sessions.
The Democrats expected to discuss the state’s budget situation after the state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee last week revised its projections for tax collections downward for the current budget year, estimating that revenue collections would come up $35.5 million short for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2013, due to the depressed revenue picture. On Monday, LePage’s finance commissioner, Sawin Millett, recommended that LePage order an immediate curtailment in state spending to keep the budget in balance.
Also last week, LePage’s health and human services commissioner, Mary Mayhew, told lawmakers that state Medicaid spending is has gone $100 million over budget for the current fiscal year.
The revenue shortfalls and the Medicaid budget gap are among the issues awaiting the new Legislature, which takes the oath of office Wednesday.
This guy is as childish as they come. If he doesn’t get his way he won’t come out and play.
Send him home with a note, “Does not play well with others.”
No more childish than the other party trying to catch him saying/doing something embarrassing. This political bickering has got to stop. Both parties have become completely useless.
He’s a public figure who can’t deal with the public.
They’re worried about his knack of going off script in impromptu settings.
It’s not hard to ‘catch’ him doing something wrong or stupid.
sounds just like joe biden.
AGREED.
How can someone deal with the “public” when they are as ignorant as they are in today’s political world?? And I do mean BOTH sides. Bunch of whining pansy arse children.
this registered Dem thinks it was a bad idea. Call off the stalkler-cam, he gives us enough material as it is.
Just curious, did you not read the part about the Republicans doing
the same to Angus King? So why should the Dems call off their tracker, but it’s okay for the Repugs?
From the story:
‘“Tracking’ has become a common tactic in the political world, in which political campaigns and organizations dispatch an operative with a handheld camera to film political opponents in public. During the campaign for Maine’s open U.S. Senate seat this fall, Sen.-elect Angus King often made references to a Republican tracker filming him at public events.”
because two wrongs don’t make a right?
Hmmmm……a representative of the people who doesn’t want any record of what he says. Yup…..got it.
yea obama is one like that, sends out all his panty weights to speak for him so he wont be caught up in all his political lies..
This is about LePage. Deflect enough because you cannot defend your guy?
Panty weights? Is that what has Lepage’s panties in a bunch?
Panty weight?
Got Depends?
“they” did it first with their bad breath highly edited video tapes.( welfare stings, occupy infiltrtaions,,Black panther etc) .It’s called self defense .Like they didn’t think ANY one can use a camera??
Which just further proves my point that BOTH parties are useless.
Right. The state Governor’s public appearances are private. Right.
Right. So you never have a private conversation with another person while “in public”??? Right.
Since when is that what this is about?
But let us say that the camera person was being extremely intrusive and seriously invading the Governor’s space. I think the Governor’s bodyguard would take care of that soon enough.
This isn’t about the Governor going to a public place to have a private conversation.
I’m glad that he’s being filmed. It’s the sort of direct, adult supervision that he’s needed for a long time.
….and you would be the first to complain about “big brother.” Shame on any political party or any entity for that matter employing such practices.
What part of “public figure” do you not understand?
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LePage ran for office and to represent ALL Maine citizens as governor. If he now wishes to resign from his PUBLIC position, then many of us would be more than happy to pay the moving expenses for him to move into the only house he owns … in Florida.
Filming a public official performing official duties in his official capacity is hardly ‘big brother’. It’s more like responsible media, oversight or checks-and-balances. Shame on you for thinking that we shouldn’t be monitoring and holding public officials to account.
Since when is a political hack responsible media? Oh I forgot when liberals state anything the myth becomes fact and “desires” become “rights.”
So, you are a liberal? Is that what you’re getting at?
What does he have to hide?
Don’t worry. The new AG will devote a good deal of her time finding out exactly that.
Good!! His belligerance and arrogance is beyond tiresome.
You mean to the only home he owns? The one in Volusia County Florida.
And – he probably runs with scissors ===== the baffoon!!!!!
I suppose when you lie as much as Mr. LePage, you are offended if someone actually records your statements for future reference.
Why would this be political? LePage is dead in the water as a candidate for Governor next election.
The man should really seek psychiatric help.
He’s a BIG BABY.
I was getting a little worried that LePage was going on too long without putting on his bully pants and complaining about something. I don’t look forward to elections, but I am sure looking forward to the next one to get this fool out of Augusta.
“The tracker then hopped into a car containing dozens of black people and accelerated towards the rural part of the state”…
LePage is a one-term governor and I expect him to grow more childish as he gets near retirement.
then we need to get a serious candidate to start campaigning NOW!!
I nominate 4mermainer!
Why thank you very much SR for your unsolicited endorsement. Sadly I must respectfully decline your nomination. I, unlike the current resident of The Blaine House, do not have a need for public housing I own 2 homes in Maine and one in Florida. I also do not have any children or relatives who need a State job. They are all employed as tax paying citizens in the private sector. More importantly my wife would never go along with my spending a good part of the year in Maine while she was enjoying the warm weather in Florida by herself.
There you go! However, he likes to spend part of the year in Florida. Oh well…..
Cutler still thinks he has a chance. So does the big spender Baldacci.
More paranoia from the Blaine House. No writer could dream this stuff up! Mr. LePage (and several of his family members) are paid by the taxpayers. He and they are not members of a royal family. If he/they are out in public the public deserves to know what they are saying. If he can behave in a respectable manner he should have nothing to worry about. If he/they can’t stand up to the scrutiny of those who provide their pay then perhaps he/they should move on and find some other form of employment.
Do you suppose he is a control freak??
Now hold on just one tater pickin minute. What in the world ever gave you the idea that Paulie Waddle Doodle is a control freak. I mean it isn’t like he tells people to kiss his butt or that he barges into meetings uninvited or removes things in the middle of the night like he is a thief or calls people who disagree with him idiots or……………
You just made my point….and very vividly!
There are only! 484 comments on this one so far!!
Also….I can’t help thinking how LePage has certain similar traits to Sarah Palin. In particular, their issues with the media. If they can control the message and everything goes their right wing way, then they like it. But, if anyone dares say something contrary to what they say or promote, then it is a whole other story. Palin loved having some of her children on reality TV, yet she would complain and whine about the media not allowing her family enough privacy and giving them a hard time! Geez!!! These people are too much. (As for prancing out her kids, look how that contrasts to the classy way the Obamas are with their daughters and how they minimize having them flaunted in public,etc.)
LePage gets upset when he is the object of a video, but I seem to remember him publicly thanking Criminal James O’Keefe when he and his not ready for prime time “actor” secretly taped the DHHS workers.Palin complained right up until the time the paychecks started flowing in. Funny how that works isn’t it?
Yes, very “strange” how that works. Do these people think we can’t see through this stuff? Well, if they had doubts before, the recent election should have sent them another message!
A rational person would have thought that the Maine Tea Party Republicans would have got the message after the beating they took at the polls on the same day voter registration issue in 2011. But not the tea party they just lied to themselves and blamed it on anything but their ideology. It is the same thing they are doing after their most recent crushing defeat at the polls. They will just double down on their insanity and blame everything but their way of looking at the world. Last weekend “Crazy Charlie’s” replacement was crowing about how they had the right message for Maine people.
Remarks and events in recent days show they have learned nothing from the election….denial, excuses, lack of responsibility. “They were dealt a bad hand of cards and that is why they lost” !!!! They really think that way.
Goes without saying
I think almost all of us are.
I’m not a big fan of Lepage but really, who wants to have someone with a camera following them around all the time, unless of course you are on “reality” tv..
he holds a public office, we have the right (duty) to keep an eye on him. As I said before the Republicans would do the same thing.
Did you keep an eye on the transportation director? Maybe if you did he wouldn’t have stolen so much money from the state. Are you keeping an eye on all the Senatores, Congressmen, ect???? They too lie.
You are right, thanks for proving their point. He is the highest elected official, makes sense to start there. Plus they are only filming at public events, not hiding cameras and mics.
You’re talking about the MTA director, not the DOT Director Bernhardt who is one straight up guy!
Every time he takes a p*ss?
Talk about a straw argument. He was filmed at a public event while talking about matters of State. At no time was he filmed while taking a p*ss.
Well, to be fair to cheesy, LePage WAS filmed being a p*ss-poor excuse of a governor.
hahahhahaaha Maybe the tracker can ask for special privileges and clean up, too.
From the story:
“Tracking” has become a common tactic in the political world, in which political campaigns and organizations dispatch an operative with a handheld camera to film political opponents in public. During the campaign for Maine’s open U.S. Senate seat this fall, Sen.-elect Angus King often made references to a Republican tracker filming him at public events.
Maybe because he has been caught saying things then denied that he said them. he is a public figure.
Maine has never had a more transparent Gov. the LaPage. He hids nothing and says it like it is, no sugar coating. Why would you want to push a camera in someone’s face and tape them? Oh wait so you can edit out what you want and make the story a huge bunch of garbage.
Useful stuff for the Dems to plaster all over the media prior to the next election. If the Repubs choose not to run LePage for another term, the small costs of tracking are just written off by the party. Political mileage for the Dems is what it’s all about(taking things out of context).
You Do know that your party uses these filmers too don’t you? Maybe not…………..
The badbreith syndicate has made a science out of highly edited videotape intended to deceive the public .
Fox News to a tea.
Did you see the Romney ad where he used a clip of Obama quoting John McCain saying something really stupid about the economy and pretended it was Obama stating his own opinion?
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Yeah – those horrible nasty mean no-good folks filming LePage and showing him to the public as is with no editing are really terrible, huh?
I spit out my coffee laughing at this post.
It reads like a parody post designed to make LePage supporters look exceptionally silly, The “facts” that are the complete opposite of the truth and the over the top fan boy worshiping is also very strange.
Ohh, do you shouldn’t expect to be filmed at a public event? Its not like they are hidding camera’s and mics on all corners of the earth.
what world are you living in… he refuses to allow his daily caleander/schedule to be made public . he actively had his legal advisor prevent access to his diary. HE is actively slowing down and interfering with FOIA requests.by making them go thru HIS office . all of these acts are UNHEARD of and unprecedented. !!
PS it is the bad breith contigent that specialized in ediited video tapes to deceive the public.
Try again That was weak.
That’s why you should not run for election to a PUBLIC job.
If he was a decent “politician” he could use the taping to his advantage, be a concerned servant, be real, be polite, be supportive… but NAH! He can’t pull it off and we all know it, even his supporters.
UM, LePage is the GOVERNOR. From the moment he filed nomination papers for the job he welcomed having someone with a camera documenting his behavior in public.
Socialists want their State back and will do anything to get it.
The GOP uses trackers too, just as they did on King. But I guess that’s OK….
Mainers got it back ….wah wah
so its just fine when republicans use video trackers, but if democrats do it, its a grab for power?
I’m not a fan of Gov. LePage, but I would fully support his statement here if he would also call on his own party to stop using trackers.
As long as the Dems appear to want to talk to LePage, this only makes him look bad.
LOL….talk to him?
BS all the democrats want to do is cry, whine, and complain about how they should be able to impose their anti-American, pro-poverty, racist social programs via the taxpayer dime
they stopped talking to LePage after he whupped their frumpy ‘independent’ fat boy Cutler
Do you have anything of substance to offer other than insults?
Last I checked, sir, the Democrats won the Legislature. They get a seat at the table.
I’m guessing you don’t mind GOP trackers, right?
Come on LePage get with it learn to govern….Stop being a whining baby.
But the Republicans would do the same dang thing (maybe even worse IMO). Politics is everything public. If the tracker didn’t film you someone else would LePage, it comes with the duty you’ve been charged with. Don’t like it? Step down.
This guy is just a big baby and that’s that, too immature to hold a position as powerful as Governor. How on Gods green Earth did this fool get elected, Someone remind me please.
a plurality of voters elected him over two of the lamest candidates this state has seen in quite some time
democrats have no one to blame but their racist selves
Huh? Which candidate for governor do you think was a victim of racism?
.
Were Charlie Webster’s invisible blacks voting in rural Maine in 2010?
That poster is not worth responding to. Some things/people go beyond the pale.
Your last sentence tells me all I need to know about you, JL.
Not only CAN the R do the same thing they have done it FIRST . Remember those welfare”sting’ videos? with lepage giving the highly edited videos “air time”. Or the occupy movement “infiltration’ , with the videogragher himself INCITING storming the aeronautics museum? Or the Black panthers are “intimidating ” voters one? Like they don’t think others can use a camera, too??
Tea party.
And “Outside Money”…
The Tea Party is a front for that same outside money.
Yeah, the Tea Party sent the tracker to eavesdrop on the elderly veteran and the Governor. Are you smoking or sharing?
This has become the hallmark of the Republican Party , they like to talk tough and dish it out , but they sure can’t take it when it comes their way. How were all Maine’s previous Governor’s to speak in public?
The business people who took time from their busy day to meet the governor for breakfast , had to listen to him wine about being followed. The were also not allowed to ask any questions of the Governor.
What a Sissy.
They are a bunch of babies.
Dems wanted to start fresh, this is the way they do it.
But they Republicans did not do the same thing. Only the Democrates did.
The Maine Republican party had a tracker follow Angus King around taping everything he did in public.
“How on Gods green Earth did this fool get elected”
There was a lawyer named Cutler …
The humble Farmer
There was a lawyer named Mitchell…
Maine needs runoff voting.
In a way. So many people voted either Cutler or Mitchell because they were afraid that if they didn’t, LePage would win. I think I heard an equal number of “A vote for Cutler is a vote for LePage” and “A vote for Mitchell is a vote for LePage”. People can be led by the polls.
It still boggles the mind how he got elected!
I doubt if Mainers would make that mistake again
guess the same reason Obama did
I would do the same thing. The repubs did not have a leach hanging off baldie every minute. More dirty dem tricks is all it is.. Wait till the legislature is back in session.All their old tricks will be right there where they left off. This state is screwed up.
And you know the republicans don’t use tracker how?
So what do you call the GOP tracker following around Angus King during the campaign?
it’s called self defense…. the badbreith contigent brought this art to a science with their highly edited vidiotapes intended to “fool” the public and the right.
“The repubs did not have a leach hanging off baldie every minute.” that was in the olden days— all of 2 years ago— when civility instead of Partisan Teaparty politics ruled
So it’s “self-defense” when the GOP does it, but it’s being a “leech” when the Democrats do it?
And what were they defending against when doing it to Angus King, he wasn’t tracking them.
Baldacci tapes would have just put us to sleep. He wasn’t controversial and did not have LePages talent for saying insulting, racist, sexist and down right stupid things.
Now really Paul, don’t you think you could do us a lot more good if you just went to Florida and stayed there?
Actions speak louder than words…. I don’t know what he’s thinking canceling an overly important state issue because some pictures and video are being taken. That is a childish action. He is a public figure, and needs to realize that its going to happen.
childish action is the Demcrats starting trouble before they even get control.
Another nonsensical post. Maybe you could provide some evidence of this position?
they want too start off new? sucha good way. OH I see they are putting the same old people in the offices.
Seriously? That’s all ya got?
I was just now reading your posts. You ain’t got much either GG!
It is the party office that hires these people, NOT the elected officials. If LeBUFFOON has a problem, he should take it up with them. They are right there in Augusta. And, as noted, it was fine and dandy for fo the TeaPubs to track Angus, and they track others, and these are public events and he is a public official. What is he afraid of? That he is going to be caught being, um, HIMSELF again and making a FOOL of himself again? And the last incident apparently happened four weeks ago. What a COWARD. What a DISGRACE this guy is. What a WHINING BABY. And as for the Constitutional officials, Dunlap and Mills are very good at what they do, they are experienced, and they will return us to reason and END the SICKENING TEA-RADICAL NONSENSE like voter suppression from the LOSER Summers and joining silly lawsuits as Schneider did. You LOST, your LOSERS are OUT, so DEAL WITH IT !
And what childish actions would those be?
prancing around with a camera, They say they want to start off new? Maybe they should follow themselves. Instead of childish things. And Dems talk about the Governor. New start, what a farce.
It’s childish to exercise one’s First Amendment rights? Wow…
They live in an alternate universe..only explanation of such blatant denial.
The First Amendment protects the right to be childish if one chooses to. If a person wants to act like a paparazzi (spelling?) idiot he should be able to, providing he breaks no laws.
Dems, say they want to start fresh?
Ah ha – instant replay.
You’re are just gettin deeper in it..better quit now and count your losses
An independent organization hired some of the guys doing the filming. The Democratic party isn’t even doing all of it.
Democratic Party has dispatched a tracker to film him in public. What the article said.
They film SOME events. Maine’s Majority has also been filming LePage and he whined about them too.
,
Someone needs to explain the terms “public servant” and public event” to LePage.
Your silly buddy LeBUFFOON is a delusional COWARD. The PARTIES (yes, including REPUBLICANS) hire these trackers. They just take film. He is a public official. He needs to expect to be recorded. Alfond and Eves have NOTHING to do with it. The last incident was four weeks ago, and your CRYBABY LeBUFFOON won’t meet with them to discuss the budget? Why don’t you give LeBUFFOON a baby bottle of warm milk and a cookie. Then your poor little tantruming BABY might feel better.
Ohhhhh – now they’re prancing. That would be VERY noticeable.
that is just what I was thinking,
Excuse me? Read the article before you embarrass yourself any further.
It does not embarass me, though Dems want to start fresh.
An independent organization hired some of the guys doing the filming. The Democratic party isn’t even doing all of it.
I read, “Democratic Party has dispatched a tracker to film him in public” since the BDN is a liberal paper, more aligned tothe dems, so it seems, the reporting should be factual?
They film SOME events. Maine’s Majority has also been filming LePage and he whined about them too.
But the Republicans pay trackers to do the same thing…..so…that’s OK?
hadn’t seen that? but if so, no it is not ok.
I have. There was one paid by Republican Governor’s Association constantly following LIbby Mitchell in 2010. I saw him at a very small event I attended. I spoke with him. I was told that he was so intrusive that he took the next table in a restaurant when she went there with some friends.
Mr. LePage’s outrage is transparently hypocritical.
Let us review.
On Veterans Day November 11, the Governor got “upset” because a Democrat was filming him and a veteran.
Sometime after Veterans Day Mr. LePage agreed to meet with legislative leaders on December 4 for fifteen minutes.
This morning he woke up and decided he was so upset four (4) weeks ago that he would cancel the meeting he had agreed to have today.
Until I hear some more legitimate reason for canceling the meeting, I think the Governor’s mental health is definitely worthy of discussion.
a recent report states the level of mercury contamination in fish to be greater than earlier thought. Hmmm……
Is that found in a bottle?
LePage looks for any diversion or excuse when things are not just the way he wants them. He is not interested in cooperation across the aisle. Don’t believe it.
He’s a devious crook!
Which is exactly why Maine is in for the next 2 years of governing by Legislature, not the Governor. Paulie has had dozen’s of opportunity’s to talk, discuss, negotiate, compromise and work out the State’s problem’s. But does he ? No. He just sit’s there whining and crying and holding these public temper tantrum’s until he either get’s his way (which time has l-o-n-g since passed by) or is overidden by the Legislature’s driven vote of common sense over fanatical, and irresponsible, political threat’s. The Dem’s House Speaker and the Majority Leader had better take a good long look at what 2 years of Paulie’s theatric’s have done, and led us to, and come out and publicly demonstrate their complete opposite attitude of Paulie and company to get Maine back to work. The days of ‘My way or the highway’ are over. The election, and the current U.S. House’s daily theater’s already seen coming consequences, are testament to that. Maine needs to begin to come back and lead the way in responsible governing, not hysterical ‘Chicken Little’ theatric’s. The Country had enough of that with Romney and Ryan. Look where it got them. Maine can, and should, do better.
His intelligence has never been questioned and oddly never mentioned!
Or at the very least his competency to hold office. I do think you’re right though, I’ve been saying it since I first heard him building himself up by tearing his father down. Life’s not a bowl of cherries and lots of us had poor parents. Well balanced individuals wouldn’t however use that as a ploy to get elected. The list of reasons to be concerned has grown weekly since then. One thing for certain is that the man has serious issues that need tending. Perhaps another relative sitting around the Blaine House rubbing his furrowed brow would be just the ticket?
Jason if I have told you once I have told you a hundred times STOP USING FACTS it really upsets Paulie Waddle Doodle’s tea party parrots.
I don’t think it’s camera shyness!
Why do people only care about these things when it’s happening to them? If it’s the other guy, they don’t seem to give a damn.
He’s afraid of being caught on camera while he puts his foot in his mouth. Probably didn’t want what he might say caught on tape. He can’t lie if he’s caught on film.
Thats what I think.No matter what party you are, it is widely excepted that he does at times have poor pubic persona. It’s not unheard of for him to do or say something that may be perceived wrong or as bullying. His public speaking could use some polishing thats for sure.
The Ds were filming a private conversation. There are limits.
PUBLIC event.
PRIVATE conversation. Some people have no manners, and no shame.
So it took him how long to use this as an EXCUSE?
If you want to have a private conversation, you have the conversation in private, not public.
then turn around and state so. but we know LePage has no couth and can not do that.
I think the practice is disdainful, why would they do that? It’s just petty.
In case you’re wondering, do I mean the Dems hiring the tracker, or LePage refusing to do the job he was hired to do (because, Mr. LePage, you are our employee)…the answer is…both.
The depth or lack thereof of this guy never ceases to amaze me. He claimed after the Republican blood bath on November 6th that he wanted to work with the new Democrat majority in both the Maine House and Senate. Well chalk up another in the LePage is a liar column. Isn’t he the guy who told us that his administration would be the most open in Maine’s history. That was just before he tried to get a law passed to hide his “working papers”. LePage has a history of liking people making videos. Remember the day he stood before the cameras and publicly praised and thanked Criminal James O’Keefe and his not ready for prime time “actor” for secretly videoing a DHHS worker. Now he is upset (he does that quite often) that someone hired by the Democrats was taking video of him. From all reports the “tracker” had permission to take video of Tea Party Paulie. Permission that was granted by none other then Tea Party Paulie’s own office. I guess it is only “secret” videos that he likes when they involve the hired help at DHHS. This is nothing but a thinly veiled excuse that the big guy is using to not meet with “the loyal opposition” (his words, not mine) in an attempt to solve his latest, some would say manufactured, fiscal crisis. Could this be the opening act of the long anticipated “LePage Meltdown”?
You got it!
So who’s paying for the tracker? Taxpayers? Seems like a waste of money.
Generally the parties pay for them.
And you’re right … the Dems are not the only ones who bring people to videotape events. Been to several campaign events of both parties over 10 years or so and have seen people videotaping not only the candidate but the faces of every one in attendance. If you’re at a public event, anyone is welcome to attend … and videotape.
Sure, anyone is welcome to attend, and video. This person is being paid to do it though. I would think that they could get somebody to do it for free, seeing that there are so many people that hate the guy. I’m sure there are tax dollars, however small the amount is, tied up in it somehow. Politicians don’t use their own money.
Is the camera man from channel 6 “being paid to do it though”?
I don’t see anything saying the person filming the public events was being paid. Where did you find that?
Democrats
So LePage the bully shows his flip side … thin-skinned panty-waist sissy.
Ok, even I am over his tactics- time to move him out.
I guess that i am confused here. He is a public figure and was filmed in public was he not? I mean they werent following him into the Men’s room were they? Why in the world would he rant over something such as this when he knows that he has precious little time to make anything of his governorship, before we vote him OUT of the office. You would think he would stop the whining and start working to actually appease the Maine voters.
Your confusion is due to your use of common sense. To understand Mr. LePage’s behavior you have to suspend reality and start looking at the world as he does. It’s all about him, no one else matters (except perhaps a few “loyal” family members). Everyone else is out to get him and the only way he can survive is to get to “them” (anyone not in his tight little circle) first. I know, it’s disturbing to face this reality, but if you don’t then you’ll have to go on being confused for another two years.
Everyone is out to get Gov LePage! Didn’t you know?!
Dems wanted to start fresh, this is the way to do it?
Man he has got some really bad issues, number one: paranoia. What a pathetic excuse.
I have noticed that a lot of right wingers seem to be paranoid and look for conspiracy theories around every corner.
Yup!
Since I do not believe in any of this outdated party crap, I would not like someone following me around all the time than again I have nothing to hide but still, it makes one uncomfortable and unless someone is on an investigations for some wrong doing than it should be stopped. We, the folks who vote on merit not the stupid party stuff, should all agree on this one.
So if you don’t want to be accountable to the public, don’t run for public office.
.
Simple really.
Simple they are. Reality? not so.
Paul get your finger out of your backsides and help solve this budget crisis. I know you aren’t a “pretty boy” but having your picture taken won’t hurt you. If you can’t handle this little problem without refusing to play you don’t deserve to be our Governor. I’m ashamed of you……………
I’m no fan of LePage, though this tracking stuff is rather ridiculous and petty.
5 dislikes. Nice. Gotta love partisan hacks, their double standards, and lack of ethics.
Maybe he should consider his words more carefully, instead of demanding no video recording!
He should have gone on with business on behalf of the people. He had a chance to show he was better than the Dems, he instead ran in to the wood work. Nobody took the high road in this story.
The veteran and his family weren’t happy about the filming. LePage is defending them. Nothing wrong with his actions.
Prove it.
sorry, but you and I would have to continue working if this happened to us.
LePage walked away in a huff. Typical, and exactly what the tracker was looking for: a scene.
What evidence of this do you have?
Good, Do the Dems want to call off budget talks or have input into the cuts that are coming. Their choice.
For all of me I would have long ago refused press credentials to certain members of the media.
Let me guess, only the members of the media who say what you want them to say?
Not all. Individual press people need government passes to attend functions. There are one or two I could name that should have their credentials pulled. Not everyone deserves to be able to walk though the door.
and if they don’t HAVE a press pass they makes up a newsletter to become one. I can name at least one who needs their ‘credentials” pulled , too.
Speaking of ‘roaches” . I remember one caucus many years ago and seeing a well know R activist crawling around the hallways. I asked “what is up with THAT?”. I was told by security with a shrug “press pass”
I guess infiltrating the event and seeing how the D’s “do it ” didn’t do them much good though..
Well aren’t you Foxy?
The legislature will have hearings and will send a supplemental budget to the governor. If he chooses to not do his job now, then he should not whine or veto what he is sent.
At this point the governor has the power to make unilateral cuts.
He is limited to very specific pre-authorized cuts. It is no where near enough to make up for the $100 million plus shortfall.
Puts himself first instead of the people of Maine. LePage: go away and stay away.
I particularly like that he acts like he CARES about Mainers and that is what this is about. Apparently he thinks we are all a bunch of morons because if he actually gave a ^%$# he would sit down and figure out our budget!!! This is all just a tantrum by this man-child.
Oh, I dunno…if the “tracker” suddenly finds himself on his back, looking at the ceiling, wondering how he got there, that might send a message.
I doubt there are any of you who would want some yahoo following you around filming everything you do and everything you say. And no, we are not “public figures” but it is well within another’s perview to film and record YOU.
How would you like it.
Two things…
1. That would be assault and is illegal.
2. I am not a public official therefore the filming of me would not only be pointless but extremely boring, as well.
No, that would be “he tripped while filming”, and therefore an accident.
:-}
No, that would be “he tripped while filming” and as such, an accident.
:-}
So you must think that thuggish Republican actions are OK then?
He tripped is thuggish? Trying to spin this to fit your own agenda?
Typical.
No that would be my response to your implied threat and then once you are called on it you cry “It was an accident.”
Typical.
And that was not a threat. It was however, a declaration.
Typical and juvenile.
are you suggesting violence?
Perish the thought!
If the tracker is assaulted the state police should get a warrant for the BDN records to find out who just threatened him.
Wow, what big internet muscles you have!
Assault is a basis for impeachment, so, maybe you are on to something.
Since the BDN censors keep removing it, I will repost just for you sweetie.
He just happend to trip while filming. No assault, just an accident.
Do you go to the store? Do you walk by a store? Do you drive by a store? Do you make transactions at ATMs? Every one of us is recorded every day we go into public.
Difference between the store, ATM etc. is that’s my choice to utilize those facilities. If I choose not to be filmed/recorded then the nit with with the camera does so at his own peril.
Uh, you’re recorded every time you go in public. And guess what? You have no choice in the matter. Nor do you have the right to one.
Mayhaps not in the public venue as stated, but I damn sure do when it applies to the loon with the camera in my face.
The
Governor has a point. If this “tracker” is being paid by a political
party or its operatives it amounts to little more than a childish game. The
Governor may be a public official but that’s no excuse to deny him the ability
to speak off the record with private citizens. In fact this sort of
“tracking” infringes upon any citizen’s right to be able to address
the Governor without a jerk with a camera recording the conversation.
The governor only has a point if he calls on his own party to stop using trackers, as they did with Angus King.
I don’t know if it’s illegal but it does seem pushy. Didn’t “we” just win? I think we have a mandate for creating solutions, not for pushing the stalking envelope as far as we can.
Awwww boo hoo LePage would you like some cheese to go with that whine ? 2014 can not get here soon enough.
How can the Governor be serious about solving Maine’s budget problems if he can’t even give the Democratic leadership a paltry 15 minutes??!!
He thinks he’s better!!!!
First of all they are Dems in name only. They are the liberal party. Next they could care less, they would have done their best to make it a lose, lose for the Governor any way it turned out.. They are a dirty filthy bunch and don’t think for one minute they as politicans care a hoot about you.
Well the true colors of the 53% is showing.This is one of their proud moments.Personal attacks is all they got.This is what the party of scumbags live for.Hey voters hows that democrat vote so far.
You’re showing YOUR true colors when you pretend that we’re all so stupid as to believe only one side is doing this. Your true colors show when you only denounce once side for doing this.
Ummm well with a majority in the legislature the democrats don’t really need the useless lame duck governor for anything. He can veto, but the Dems have enough votes to override him…..so aside from LePage being his usual rectum acting self….I’d say 53% was more than enough to get the job done. :)
The Democrats do not have sufficient numbers to override a veto except for line item budget vetoes that require only a simple majority to override.
No votes yet, but i am looking forward to it.
Wah, don’t use my words or actions against me!
What a bunch of scumbags the democrat party has degenerated into.
Disgusting !
can you say badbreith contigent??Setting a bad example for paid “citizen” videograghy
Could you please give us a link to your post declaring outrage and disgust at the Maine Republcian party hiring a tracker to follow Angus King around?
Dems are very proficient at this us vs them mentality, destroy the opposition. Just happens the hatred is against fellow Americans, and is fracturing our society into more pieces than ever before.
Yeah, the GOP never does anything like that- just ask Angus King.
Where do you seriously come up with this logic? Because repubs and teabillies are such an innocent and kind group that has never done anything like this before…..right?
yeah yeah yeah…nice try…
what a nasty spiteful little man.
I think these ‘trackers” are wrong, BUT as long as the R’s are going to do their Badbreath highly editied video bits they will be par for the course “Mommy they did it first “.
Cameras are everywhere now. Not just ‘operatives’ but everyone with a cellphone (which I don’t own but I think I’m the only one in the world). Just ask Mitt Romney or stand-up comics such as Kramer (Michael ?) from Seinfeld. You ask to be governor, comes with the territory. It’s like buying a house next to an airport then complaining the jet noise is detrimental to you. Doesn’t fly so to speak.
We have big problems in this state. He doesn’t know what to do and so he hides behind these made-up ‘issues’. I wish he’d do a Sarah Palin and just quit and let someone who is not afraid of the job to take over. He can blame it all on us, all of us ‘moochers’.
Pull the tracker and lets get on with it!!!!!!!!!!
Great way of spending tax payer money… filming
I don’t think taxpayer money is spent on it, the parties pay for it.
Lets see, a grand total of .0000000 cents of public money was spent on the filming.
.
Pull the whiner in chief who does not want to be a public figure even though he ran for office to be exactly that – THEN we can really get out with it in earnest because we would be dealing with actual intelligent hard working public servants who know what the word “public” means.
Sure and you see this in politics all all over the country.
I have yet to see much intelligence in any of our elected officials.
Non of them can get anything done. Lets be real
He won’t.
Stewart and Colbert have been put on alert! ..again!
People we have 2 more years with this Buffoon! There has got to be a way to get rid of this embarrassment. Please someone show us the way to rid this State of him.
Good for you Mr Lepage.Do not feed the rats.
Sounds more like someone having a hard time with the election results. Is the Romney/Ryan sign in front of your house still up?
In a room in the house and I do not mean the bathroom.
Thier after you LePage keep your head down or they’ll get ya
Do not give in to this bloviating thug. He should be followed 24/7 along with every other member of his syndicate that is on the public dole for the rest of his miserable, political life.
Roach’s scurry under things when the light is on.
Back to the left’s petty politics.They must have someone they can extort money from rather than this infantile act.
I can only think about the song Ben.A good name for a rat.
LePage’s plan has been to lie low, so hopefully people will forget what he is and isn’t.
Suck it up Lepage, you chose to be in the public eye… it is time to put your “big boy” pants on!
This man is an embarassment to the state. Two more years of this clown…two more years….two more years….
Transparency in government?
Part of the territory “governor”. Man up.
Impeach LePage.
Now now, did your mommy teach you how to behave like this or are you just right-winging it.
So, how many hours does it take you all-stars to moderate a comment?
Hire a tracker to track and harras the tracker
The tracker is at a public event and could be filmed. No problem with that it is what the word “public” means.
.
No one is harassing the governor and harassment of the tracker would be a violation of his or her rights, so that would not be OK.
That may be happening very soon.
I think it was a bad idea from the onset to have him stalked by a film crew. Why? He doesn’t give us enough material as it is?
I agree with the Gov’s statement about the public. Any constituent meeting with him is also filmed. It seems creepy. The Dems should call it off and apologize to the public.
Sincerely,
A registered Dem
No, any constituent meeting with the governor is NOT filmed. Only people who make the choice to publiclly approach him at a PUBLIC event are subject to public scrutiny.
.
They can request a private meeting that would not be filmed if they want and the governor is serious about it.
I still think it was a bad idea. Just because they apparently do it doesn’t mean “we” need to do it. We’re supposed to be better.
Just sayin…
LePage is using this individual as a prop here. I do not believe the tracker closed in and even tried to record their conversation. He generally only records the prepared speech and the formal question and answer periods.
.
The meetings LePage is now refusing to attend were not public meetings anyway – there would not have been a tracker there.
.
LePage is simply creating a lame excuse to run away from his responsibilities and then blame someone else.
he is using that constituent as a prop because we gave him that opportunity on a silver platter. “We” won. We have a mandate for solutions, not for this partisan low level activity.
LePage did have a chance to show he was better than the Dems stalking him. He could have just gone on with working, like any working person would have to. So, it’s like a lose-lose situation.
I guess, I just prefer win-win. Didn’t the Dems get the memo? The voters are kinda sick of low road politics.
LePage has made public statements, then lied and said he never spoke the words that came out of his own mouth. Several times someone had taped his original statement so the public had proof that our public official was an outright liar.
.
If he had never said outrageous and insulting things or tried to lie about what he had said, no one would bother to tape him.
.
Paul LePage is his own worst enemy.
i hear you loud and clear. I don’t disagree with a thing you said. I just feel that:
1. we can afford to take the high road, we didn’t.
2. the voters understand that two wrongs don’t make a right
imho.
Not everyone thinks there were 2 wrongs here though.
SingleTrackGirl, I would like to apologize for misjudging you based solely upon earlier posts. You ‘get it.’ Thank you for recognizing how hypocritical and ‘low road’ this stunt really is.
First of all, a tracker is not a “film crew” but one person with a small video camera.
Second, most of the material that LePage has provided so far has not come from TV stations, but regular folks with a camera.
Regular folks with a camera sending info to the Dems or YouTube is a great idea! The dems hiring someone to follow LePage around in public is a bad idea. (imho)
It would be too iffy to rely on the public. Much better to just pay someone. To be plain – all a tracker does is sit in a corner and record the subject. They don’t ask questions. They don’t react to things. They just record.
You mean, tracking is like stalking, but it starts with a ‘T’?
I hear you, I just don’t think that’s what the winning party needs to be doing. I think it may be practical, but I think its a PR loser.
Too bad they won’t listen to you.
I say hire someone to follow that weasel Alfond around.
An Obese Cryer and Liar. Go back to Canada.
or Florida…..
He is a no nonsense business man. He is a terrible politician. He doesn’t care about image, or how something sounds. He just wants to do what is best for Maine; not for him. He is a breath of fresh air.
Cough.
If he wanted to do what’s best for Maine, he would have met with the opposing party’s leaders for 15 minutes to discuss the budget.
And all his cronies can talk about is a person filming. They ca n’t support his excuse.
This, from the man who promise the “most transparent government in Maine history”?
Here’s a screen cap from LePage’s 2010 campaign website on “your right to know”:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Spud1_2007/YourRighttoKnow-1.jpg
wow not human waste, thats just wrong. they are human trash wasting hard earned taxpayers money on human trash
Just shows the Democrates are not serious about working in a bipartisan manner.
I agree. It does show that.
Sincerely,
A registered Dem
Hey, a smart one that admits the truth! good for you.
Re-register. Republicans have been following democrats around like this for years. Dems have done it to republicans for just as long.
I REALLY wish the voting public would rely on more than what the angry light-box in the living room feeds them with information.
While I’m not that partisan, the Dems represent my core values better than the Republicans do.
As long as you guys are the party that denies science, and wants to ‘drill baby drill’, I just can’t do it.
Yeah I’m a democrat, and you’ve JUST proven my earlier point. For that I thank you :)
sorry you lost me. you want me to leave my party because i don’t agree with the tracking? i hope that’s not what you’re saying.
Susan Collins also encountered this stuff but she didn’t stop doing her job because of it. The Governor need a straw man. This is it.
Susan Collins with her cronies distroyed the Constitution of the USA. Don’t brag her up to much
They have been saying one thing and doing another, for years.
They never were or are or will be SERIOUS. Little minds are like that.
So is he agreeing to stop taking 61% of his salary and benefits and to let 61% of all legislation passed not be looked at for possible vetoes?
.
No? Then he is still governor of 100% of Maine and is a PUBLIC FIGURE.
VETERAN was not a public figure.
He was in a public place
Irrelevant. What is relevant is whether the conversation was held in the open. Apparently it was. Now if the governor and the veteran had left the area and met in a room by themselves, where the public or those in attendance were not allowed to enter, THEN there would be an expectation of privacy on the part of the veteran.
He could have requested a private meeting but made the choice to speak publicly at a public event.
So what? If you speak at a public forum others will hear you.
.
duh
Time for a petition demanding LePage’s resignation.
Go ahead. Sending all those boxes would help create jobs for the postal service. Job Creators!!!
The Maine Democratic Party is not a ‘special interest group’.
No but liberals are
They sure think they are. Entitled, special, you name it.
Au contraire, they believe they are the Entitled Group.
As soon as his collage draft deferment ended, Paul R. Lepage moved to Canada until the Vietnam war was over
. Then Lepage abandoned his Canadian wife and two little children so he could moved back to the USA.and take jobs that should have gone to American Vets.
I ask that all loyal American Vets denounce Paul Lepage as the liar and the coward he really is.
While I disagree with Gov. LePage on most things, I can say with authority that he is not a draft dodger. His number was so high it would have never been called.
Lepage is such a liar I bet he is lying about his birthday.
Lepage should have no problem publishing his US(?) birth certificate, passports, and complete collage transcripts.
Of course his office refuses to make this info available to the public even when asked under the freedom of information act.
no he should not have any more of a problem, then Pres. Obama, have not seen his passports, or college transcripts either.
OK, how about Paul Lepage publish his US birth certificate? Then it will not be as disgusting watching Lepage steal honor from our military vets.
Listen Lord, You seriously need to do some FACT checks about the Gov. You Only embarrass yourself And the rest of the Liberal Lefties. Very sad.
I wouldn’t trust a democrat…Evah!
Well we’ve seen exactly how your “logic” works with your predictions on this last election — so your comment only serves to lend credence to the Democrats.
Thats fine we don’t usually hang out in trailer parks so you’ll likely not have to worry about encountering one.
Another sensitive comment from the liberals. Why do you hate people who live in trailer parks?
There it is, his excuse not to work with Democrats.
If “actions speak louder than words” why is Gov. Paul LePage so well known for what he has said not for what he has done?
Lepage says the Democrats want him to say something stupid and embarrass himself so what does do? He says something stupid and completely embarrasses himself.
the gift that keeps on giving….lol
He was overdue for a good tantrum.
I thought he favored government speech.
The senior veteran isn’t a member of the government. Private resident who wanted a couple words with the Governor.
At a very public event…..
Let us know next time somebody sticks a camera in your face when you are at a “public event,” and see how you like it. As a citizen, I mean, not an elected official.
He’s a public figure. Public figures are photographed.
I haven’t heard any complaints from the senior veteran.
At least these “trackers” are being up front. Romney’s “candid” speech about the 47% might not have come to fruition if he knew he was being recorded. Governor, just assume that you are ALWAYS being recorded. Your words can (and have) come back to haunt you.
30 years of decline under the spend and tax job losing democrats.Two years of trying to climb out of the dung pile dems put us in.Now the college vote covers Maine with another layer of dem dung.2 years we can get back on track.
Maybe they should have focused on the economy and job creation, rather than suppressing voter rights.
So, LePage, I guess it’s okay for the TeaPublican party to collect film in an effort to build gotcha cases but not for the Dems. I get it. You think you’re above the rules of the game. If you have nothing to hide, dear Gov., then you have nothing to be upset about.
This latest Democratic film stunt sinks as low as whale poop. There is a vendetta against Gov. Lepage and it is past time it STOPS. I HOPE to read in THIS paper, the NAMES of EVERY Democrat Involved in this filming. To film a Private chat with the Gov. and a very ill veteran was nothing more than rude. If that had been my dad, You would be hearing from me in every News venue that filming that chat was beyond the decency we all should have. THe Maine Dem Agenda is out to villify Gov. Le Page at every word he says. The comments in this paper often reflect that. Guess it is time to light the wood stove.
Ayuh!!!
I fail to see how filming the Governor while he spoke to an elderly veteran would cast LePage in a negative light. Seems he would welcome the chance to balance out his bully image.
How would You like it if that elderly veteran was YOUR DAD? Did the camera man ASK permission of that man to be on camera? That is low ball film.
I don’t blame the Gov. to saying NO to meeting with a Democrat while being filmed. If so many LePage negative commnetors would learn some decency, perhaps he would change his mind.
Public event public figure.
Private conversations should be behind closed doors if a public figure wanted privacy.
A small camera that didn’t record the conversation. For someone who doesn’t like vitriolic comments you make plenty of them yourself.
LePage lacks the social grace and decency needed for the job.
Didn’t you hear? Lacking in social graces, diplomacy and common decency translates to “a breath of fresh air” in some circles.
Yeah it equals DEMOCRATS sending stalkers.
I strongly suggest you get over yourself and find some manners.
“Low ball” is a good description. They should grow up, and have some respect for the citizen having a private conversation.
Perhaps his party shouldnt do the EXACT same thing to dems and independants, huh?
Or did we forget that the road goes both ways?
Well, if my dad, (who was a vet, btw) attended a public event, met and spoke with one of the officials there, he would probably not be surprised to be filmed or photographed, especially if he was in uniform. If he admired the person he was speaking with, he would be happy to have this memorialized on film.
Did you visualize your Dad, the VET as Healthy or very ILL???? That was most disrespectful to the veteran. and You Know it.
If it were my father, and he complained, I’d point out that he spent time being SHOT AT by people…so maybe having your picture taken isn’t that big of a deal.
I know the current way to deflect from the real issue is to whine about “oh the poor veteran”…but until the veteran complains about having his picture taken…
Yeah. And it’s funny that people are putting the focus on the cameraman, not on the man who says inflammatory, indecent, and offensive things. It’s not the camera’s fault Mr. LePage does what he does.
Well thats how the machine works. Don’t like the issue? Complain about something tertiary until everyone forgets the real problem.
The veteran wasn’t happy about being filmed. Not the Governor.
Public event.
Private conversataion. The Ds could use a visit from Miss Manners.
Now that’s laughable!
I can’t wait until his tantrums are taken care of by the voters in this state. The only way to get him out is to use our power and vote him out. Frankly, I’m sick of his crap and sick of all the tantrums he throws when things don’t go exactly to HIS plan.
you know nothing
Hes smart enough to know the governor won’t be back for a second term, and thats good enough for me :)
“put there best foot forward” yea right good way to start the year off.
“put their best foot forward” see they are starting trouble before they even get in control.
I heard ol ‘ Jowls Barkley was just ripped that they didnt get his ‘good’ side.
The round one.
I’ll do it for free, it’ll be worth it for he entertainment!
The practice of “tracking” political figures was championed by none other than the late conservative firebrand Andrew Breitbart as a way to keep politicians accountable. If the Governor can’t stand the heat, he should get out of the kitchen.
And Breitbart is their hero.
BUT……..he did NOT infringe on an ILL VETERAN during a PRIVATE chat with the Gov. That was the LOWBALL………… if you cannot see that then there is NO hope for you.
I’d say the verdict is “no hoper” in this case.
My oh my, how the right wingers forget their own in moments like this! Breitbart, O’Keefe….
Hey, Governor, ‘Kiss my butt.’ :-)
You don’t have to respect the person……..but you need to respect the Office that he holds. Just Saying
VETO!!! POWER!!!
Love it!!
I wouldn’t negotiate with someone who was filming my every move, either! Doing so proves the Dems don’t publicly disrespect. Who wants to negotiate with snakes like that?
LOL you DO realize that the republicans do the exact same thing to democrats as well, right?
No of course you don’t. All the worlds ills are the dems fault, of course.
Ask the veteran in this case, who only wanted a private talk with the Governor. He didn’t ask for a camera in his face. Bad manners from the dems.
It didn’t happen. Its a LePage lie.
Bad mammers is NO manners and the demorats have no manners.
LePage should hire a tracker of his own and edit out the parts that make him look bad. Of course, that will be hard to do since every other statement he makes backfires on him.
Well recently the Dems are talking about having Baldacci run again for Governor so after coming in 3rd in many races they are desparate. The money is wasted, just wait and the news will be broadcasting another foot in mouth statement by LePage. Gee 20 months before the next election so give it a break searching for ammo all ready. He will shoot himself in the foot himself no need for democrats to spend money looking for it.
I don’t blame Gov. LePage one bit. Any miss step would be on the 6 o’clock news and in the BDN. I don’t remember the Reps. sending a “tracker” to follow every move or statement Baldacci made. In a joint statement, Alfond and Eves said they were disappointed LePage canceled their meeting. Then call off the tracker. This is a great first step to working “with” the Gov.
They should get a clue, and start acting like grown ups. They wanted to be elected, but they work with the Maine D’s to fight the Gov. at every step.
LePage is his own author of his own “missteps”.
This person is the Governor of the State of Maine. He is public property and he has the responsibility of the office that he sought. With that responsibility comes scrutiny, he needs to act like a Governor, not a frightened little child throwing a temper tantrum. And don’t think for a minute that this “tracking” idea is new, the next thing we will hear, that he will only talk and speak with certain newspapers. This is crap and the whole state knows it. And, your statement regarding a “great first step” is clearly his first step at not working with the new legislature. How in the world do you expect the legislative leader’s to “call off the tracker” when……..it may or may not have happened 4 months ago? This is about the Sea Dog………he’s mad, and upset that his little plan was exposed, and now he’s desperate.
As the Governor of the State of Maine he has the option of saying NO to the “tracker” for whatever reason he wishes. If the Dems. want to hire “trackers” let them track the Dem. leadership. Again…great first step Dems.
You don’t and aren’t making any sense. The Dem leadership ISN’T the only one that needs to step up. Have you forgotten that fact? You know, the results of this past election? This Governor we have doesn’t play by any rules other than his own. If he cries foul and jumps off a bridge, then I suppose it would be the Dems that made him do it. Tracking, if that what he wishes to call it, (getting caught saying it comes to mind)…..isn’t a new idea. It’s not like your own party hasn’t done it, ask Mitt Romney how well it works.
Umm… stay in the now. Republicans have been doing this for a while. You are not innocent.
“miss step”? They seem to be happening way too often.
It’s a sad day when the Maine Democratic party will act like this. This may make members of the far left jump and down clapping their hands, but I think many members of the Dems. will also find this (tracker) offensive.
Really? The senior executive PUBLIC official of the state is upset he was filmed at a public event. Mr. LePage…you are a one term governor. Perhaps you should get something DONE in the last 2 years of your tenure instead of crying about trivial incidents the PEOPLE don’t give a damn about…
Poor Penguin. Can’t stand the heat than quit like Sarah Palin did. We have a good man ready to step in and take your place.
Do you mean Paul Violette? I believe he’s now in jail for corruption and for stealing thousands of dollars from the taxpayers. All under the watch of the DEM majorities.
and……
Same here. The D’s brought us Violette, McCormick, and the other D trough feeders in Maine. Gov. LePage will be cleaning up the mess for the next 6 years.
Well put! With McCormick’s corrupt qualifications, I’m sure they will find a home for her as well.
Where are your facts?
Since when do DEMS listen to facts?
Again, where are your facts? I’m still waiting.
Paul Violette is in JAIL, so I’ll give you a break on the facts that our courts used to place him in the slammer. Interesting that these corrupt practices occurred under the watch of the DEMS.
23 years of theft from Violette. The wasted money from McCormick is probably more.
You were talking about Dale McCormick, not Paul Violette. You’ve provided a lot of drivel in your attempt to slander Dale still no Facts of corruption. If she broke the law why hasn’t she been prosecuted? Put up or STFU
Why are you still claiming to be the “majority”?
VETO and 2014
She almost got the new treasurer position but the state couldn’t afford the free lunch boxes and flowers for staff every day.
The Violette investigation started under Baldacci. Where have you been?
And what about the republican’s choice of House Speaker when they were in control? They chose the guy who stole $4,000,000 from Maine Care! Yessah.
Hey, Maine D’s — don’t you have anything better to do? Shame on you for invading the citizen’s privacy.
——————
“At the Veteran’s Day event, LePage said, the tracker filmed him as he spoke with an elderly veteran with deteriorating health.
“There was no need to have filmed this private discussion for
political purposes,” LePage said in his statement. “The people of Maine
are not props, and I will not allow these special interest groups to use
them to score political points.”
————————————
Hey Ganary.. aren’t you repubs supposed to be critical thinkers? How come you believe everything LePage says without fact-checking first? There’s more to this story than in this article. The tracker had permission from the facility to tape and only taped what LePage broadcast over the PA system at the facility.
He’s the guv’nah. He’s not a private citizen. The End.
Ole Foghorn is scared of being recorded making one of those 47% comments that killed Romney.
Amen!
Good for him!!!
The gov.seems a little upset.I wonder if he was ever recorded at the pub meeting he held or maybe he is afraid of what they will film or find out.
I don’t agree with the practice, but he is a public figure, it goes with the territory. to use it as an excuse not to do State business though, come on. Why is our Governor always looking for a fight? I will be so glad when his term is over and we dump him to Florida.
His excuse of not meeting is what this should be all about. he acts like a spoiled brat. For all those deflecting that he should not have been filmed do not care if Maine continues to sink under LePage and his cronies. Transparency huh? Le Page is a do nothing governor.
After seeing what happened to Romney when he thought the camera was off down at the country club in Florida, the Koch brothers issued a directive to all of their operatives to avoid unfriendly cameras. I’ll bet Scott Walker, John Kascich, and Paul Ryan are doing the same exact thing. Just a hunch.
:the Maine Democratic Party has dispatched a tracker to film him”
I do believe that would qualify as stalking…
Sorry, AL, he is a public figure. He has no expectation of privacy in a public appearance. He is likely concerned that he will be caught on record in one of his outrageous statements, which I’m sure is exactly what his opponents hope for.
fair enough.
but if this is the case, then why don’t we hire a private eye to follow and record every politician in the capitol? it would certainly be a huge step towards transparency in the government.
So how about your hero Breitbart. He started this whole tracking crap. How about the reubs doing it to Angus? You are not lily white in this.
i have no heroes in the current political system.
BREITbart is dead and you all have given him saint status.
Then why do you defend Lepage the ultimate liar?
You should read the stalking statute before writing nonsense.
By the way, “tracking” is a constitutional right we all have, even more so when a public official is involved.
Excuse me, but is this the same Governor Lepage who just a few months ago was gloating about how much he was going to make the Democrats hate him?
(The actual quote was “[T]he Democrats, if you think they hate me now… Wow,” LePage says on the recording. Check any Maine paper for the AP story, 8-16-12)
And now he’s whining, “Wah-Wah-Wah. Mommy, those mean old Democwats are being kwool to me! Wah-wah-wah!”
I mean, at some point you ought to make a choice. What’s it going to be: Bully or Baby?
The Gov. brings out the true uglieness of the Liberals. OMG. Thanks Gov. LePage.
Bullies become babies when you take their toys away from them.
So his spokesperson, Bennet, says Lepage doesn’t think it’s “appropriate” for a tracker to be present while he was speaking w/a veteran, eh? How appropriate did the poor-excuse-for-a-leader think it was to take off for Canada when his student deferment was over during ‘Nam?
How about something current instead of ancient history?
Remember you said that.
Is that supposed to be a promise?
How about something accurate? Mainegal17’s post certainly is not.
pardon me. But where do you get this Canada residence reference?
smile, the same place you all got the Obama was not born in the U.S. I guess.
Sorry you canNOT provide any FACTS/
1/3rd of Americans vote, 2/3rds are not that stupid. Nothing but time wasted clapping at dinners and speeches, already 16 trill in debt and you still have people rooting for politics like sports teams, smh smh.
If this most public of officials wishes to avoid this sort of thing, let him resign and enter a cloister.
He was defending the elderly veteran, not himself. The D’s have no shame.
No he wasn’t. The radio report I listened to today said that the tracker only taped what Lepage broadcast over the PA system at the facility AND that the tracker had received permission from the facility to tape.
The Gov. says he did not get permission to attend.
LePage is a liar.
You my dear are RUDE………..
And you are more rude than anyone else here! I’ve been reading all your rude sniping. So in your book two wrongs make a big bear right.
Hypocrite.
Add they have no manners and many have no brains.
You would just cream over that if that happened. But it will NOT EVER happen, so best get Over your dislike.
I would what? Clean it up a bit, please, and get this straight: I neither like him nor dislike him, because I don’t know him personally. But he chose to serve as governor. As such, his appearances became public property in a way, no different than any of the public appearances made by other public officials. But think about it – he will not speak with the press; he will not meet with legislators. Doesn’t that seem odd behavior for this or any other governor? Mightn’t anyone wonder if he’s in the right line of work? The beauty of any cloister is the absence of public scrutiny, something this man seems to abhor.
That spoiled brat is going to run Maine into the ground!! Maine is not known for it’s beauty any more it is known for it’s crazy governor!!
Gotta love the photos that BDN prints! My hat’s off to you. It says more than the whole article..
Doesn’t it? Once you first look at the photo, it’s becomes so blatantly obvious that the rest of the article will be filled with LIBERAL BIAS. They haven’t earned the reputation of being the “LBDN” for nothing. They wear their liberal bias on their forehead!
Liberalism or progressive-ism is why you have the right to express your opinion in the free press. More than likely you are on social security and medicare, both products of liberalism.
LePage is such an easy mark though. the way he sticks his lower lip out reminds me of a 3 year old.
You are so very observant. You should wear a lil dollar store medal that says Champion of Fools.
“Suggest you go pound sand. It really should give you an attitude adjustment. Maybe you’ll rid your mean spirited rant too.”
it smells liberal. like as in septic.
Naran. My how many different personnas you have!
oh gopher, this is an Ah ha moment. Your observation is ONLY in your mind. Sorry.
There’s only one logical explanation. Paul LePage must be working for the Democratic party and trying to do as much damage to the Republican party in Maine as possible. Good job Paul!
go back to school.
You’re the GOVERNOR — you’re going to be watched by the public. It’s part of the job.
When is this guy going to grow up?
He lives in Never Never land. He will never act like an adult.
You have Typical replies about the Gov. and you have no respect. it totally shows.
Respect is earned and LePage acting like a rectal orifice every time he opens his mouth does not assist in him earning the respect of the 61% of the Maine people who did not vote for LePage. One reaps what one sows.
Frankly you sound as thou you would not know what respect is if it hit you in the face. 61% is not likely the correct number. just in your imagination.
Okay Ryan, how would you have likted it IF that ill veteran was your gampy/ be careful what you say.
In all honesty, I wouldn’t have a problem with it. That’s because I’m a journalist myself and I’m well-versed in media law, which encompasses the right to privacy.
Weel then please elaborate on WHY the veteran was NOT asked Permission for the interview to be filmed???
No permission was needed.
Okay, So basically this was just a typical journalist being bold and uncaring about an older sick veteran. This is partially a reason that many no longer respect the media.
If you approach the governor at a public event, with people and at least one camera there, you are consenting to being recorded. We’re not talking about hidden cameras and microphones here. We’re not talking about the use of a parabolic mic, used to isolate and pick up sound from long distances.
Get-R_Done Mr. LePage. They want to film you so they can learn how to grow a set…. Let them film you..
So he can’t twist what he says later on? Go for it!
Ya right. Go for the juglar. Dems know best. Simply pitiful.
WAH! WAH! WAH!
Does anyone have a link to this “intrusive” filming of LePage and the veteran? I have a link to one of Susan Collins being tracked while greeting veterans, but it didn’t seem intrusive at all. http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/12/04/15676641-maine-gov-lepage-quit-following-me?lite
Is our Governor uncomfortable with transparency? The 1st outburst post election. More to come.
I’ve had it with all of this. I’ll start collecting signatures for a 2014 gubernatorial run for either Paul Violette or Dale McCormick. We need strong Democratic candidates who have deep corrupt values and the desire to break the taxpayers backs with thievery and corruption. Aaaah yes, those were the good old days! Who is with me?
Dale would be ok. In two life times you couldn’t match her accomplishments.
Depends if you mean good ones or bad.
Either her good or her bad maineminority would certainly be no match for her.
Get over it maine MINORITY.
You will be seeing Republicans in the lead. The liberals have totally shown all their colors and those colors are not pretty.
It must be very frustrating for the people who have to work with this “look at me” governor. There are serious issues scheduled, and LePage takes his ball and goes home.
Yet his party had no problem with Angus King being tracked by the Republican Party. Such babies and hypocrites…this tea party, Heritage Foundation group , including LePage.
Disturbing that the person following him is titled a “Tracker”. Doesn’t create a warm and fuzzy feeling no matter what ones party affiliation is, in my opinion.
True, but that’s what they’re called. It would be of interest to learn the origin of the word.
How sick do you have to be to pay someone to follow LePage around and film him! the Dems would be the first to cry bloody murder if the republicans did it to one of their own!
In truth its just a nanny cam and its really there for his own safety. The Koch brothers could end up coming buy in their limo and lure him into the backseat.
Yes, it would be a truly terrible thing for him to be filmed talking to an elderly veteran. Good thing he dodged that bullet.
God help us, The Gov don’t know if he is afoot or horseback, and he is our leader??
not my leader, He us the “Worst” Governor ever elected in Maine history. He is a Shame to the office. needs mental evaluation.
Is He Camera Shy or trying to hide something ya think?
Wake up and smell the coffee!! Tracking is the new political reality. Not parties do it.
Gov. 39% needs to put on his big boy pants, watch his temper and his tongue, and serve the people. Get to work, guv, and stop complaining!
Gov, it comes with the territory. Act with more dignity and they won’t catch you on film putting your boot in your mouth. Stop pouting because you caused a lot of Republicans to lose their seats and step up to the plate and do your job as an adult. We would like to be proud of our governor rather than embarrassed.
Is it just me, or is our governor the biggest crybaby in the world?
It’s not just you who thinks that, Paul.
Its an attempt to intimidate, plain and simple.
It’s only a matter of time before Paulie puts his foot back in his maw. He knows this and he’s trying to limit the amount that gets caught on tape.
Only in your dreams moosie.
If one has business with State Govt, I’d suggest getting it done before July 1. If these clowns can agree on abudget and avert a shut down it will be a miracle!
Poor widdle guv’nah. Someone call the wambulance!
Did you graduate from high school or just elementary?
I was home-schooled. Why?
hammpockbear obviously has no sense of humor. He must be a repuglican.
A Draft dodger like PR Lepage hiding behind veterans. His vile cowardliness knows no limit.
Draft Dodger he is NOT. If you insist on saying this crap then you should provide FACTS to back up your rant.
Fact. Paul Lepage moved to Canada as soon as his collage draft deferment ended.
Fact Lepage only returned to the US ( Abandoning his first wife and their two little children in Canada) only after the Vietnam draft ended.
Those are the facts.
If you wish to support a vile scumbag like Paul Lepage you are free to do so but until he publishes his US birth certificate (s) , his pass ports and his collage transcripts he is a draft dodger and a coward.
Tracking is a slimy practice, done for one reason only–to manufacture smears against candidates in erroneous and misleading political opposition ads. It’s refreshing to see a politician call it for exactly what it is–scuzzball, disreputable activity. Just because you can do it doesn’t make it any less disreputable. If those inclined to utilize such ad hominen methods of character assasination spent half as much time focusing on how to revive Maine’s economy we might actually make some progress in this state.
Maybe if we didn’t have a governor that lies so often this would be unnecessary but it really is the only way to prove his lies.
Smearing, traking, character assasination, all used regularly by the rethugs,from Tricky Dicky Nixon to Carl Rove.
Everyone remember when the guv’nah was impressed with right winger James O’Keefe’s undercover work here in Maine? Well, the guv’nah doesn’t! http://thinkprogress.org/health/2011/08/12/294855/maine-gov-paul-lepage-impressed-by-james-okeefes-undercover-medicaid-video/
Grow up Govenor.
Wait, didn’t he run on a promise to have the most transparent administration that Maine government ever had? So what does he have to hide, I wonder. Or was he concerned that the tracker would not film his good side. Does he have one of those? Or was he just not ready for his close-up?
Wow, he has no problem with employees of the State getting secretly filmed, but he can’t even handle it when he knows the camera is there.on him. What a hypocrite.
I agree with the governor. There is no need for photographers to track everybody’s moves. I think that Princess Diana’s demise proves that! No I am not a Republican.
Just when you think the democrats in Maine couldn’t stoop any lower they prove there is something lower than pond scum!
How would they like the Republicans hiring someone to stalk them!
ever read anything before today? republicans do that to dems as well in fact i bet they came up with it…come out from under your rock now
He knows that they are there. It isn’t like the Democrats have been setting up game cams. He knows what he believes in, presumably. He knows what he is prepared to say, also presumably. He appears regularly, very regularly in the news. He probably has even seen himself in video. So what’s the big deal?
Politics has become so dirty that soon there will be no one willing to run.
Ironic that Mr. LePage is complaining about distasteful practices.
What is this “trackers” name? Someone should track the “Tracker”
I wonder if the Lesser Alfond has some things going on that he would rather not have video taped? Hmm, I may have found a new hobby.
Personally I think the tractor thing is wrong. Don’t care if its coming from Democrats or Republicans. We have enough serious issues going on in this state that need to be dealt with. Put the politics(Example: Trackers) asside and get to work and fix are problems, and make Maine better..
This is not the governor’s fault. He is just following another directive from the Koch brothers. No cameras around, just in case you feel the urge to pick on the poor or put your foot in your mouth. Caller I.D. to make sure that you are actually talking to a Koch brother and not a reporter. Scotty straightened out the learning curve on that one. All hail the Koch brothers and pass the tea.
Not gonna talk with the Democrats, eh? I’d view that as a plus, if I was in the legislature.
Of course, any smart & savvy politician would turn the cameras to their advantage and do something positive with the publicity. I guess that leaves out our GOV!
What’s the difference?
Does anyone think the Governor would have participated in an intelligent discussion, or that he would bring any clever ideas to help deal with the situation?
Best to let the adults get to work, while Tweedledum sulks in the corner.
The governor doesn’t like having to keep it honest apparently.
Just think of the possibilities. The LePage comedy hour. You don’t suppose they would run that during prime time?
So, a bully AND a baby. Goes hand-in-hand, doesn’t it?
OK you have spoken your mind about it, get over it. You have work to do, ride above it.
Governor LePage doesn’t like being tracked, so he’s going to stomp his feet, and hold his breath until they stop. What a baby. It’s a common practice in the profession you chose, governor. One you did not object to when your party was doing it to Angus King. Strap on your big boy pants, man up, and quit whining.
At least every week or so, LePage is good for an asinine sound bite. It is his trademark. I guess he’s just upset that the vultures (Democrats) know this and have a camera ready. He and his followers already tried voter suppression; that didn’t work. Now they want to keep the public in the dark about what gets said at PUBLIC events. He and his cronies need time to edit out his stupid and divisive comments before releasing them to the press.
I think that a better solution from him would be to act professional and not like an ignorant buffoon. This brings to mind what people tell me when I question cameras watching us-“if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.”
There is something really, really off here. He is a PUBLIC FIGURE. As Harry said “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen”. Do you job Governor. Stop acting like a brat. If you don’t want private conversations recorded don’t have them in public. Kinda just a bit distasteful to use a disabled veteran as an excuse for acting like a big chicken.
Prima Donna Paul. A petty, prissy, pessimistic, pompous, pontificating, procrastinating, politicizing, prejudiced, pugnacious, and perplexing person.
He needs to grow up. Unfortunately, that’s not likely.
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
…Plato
It does seem to be a little ridiculous that the dems (ie: the “other team”) is paying some one to track the governor and tape (or at least observe) what LePage is doing. What purpose does this serve other than trying to “catch him screwing up”? Or am I missing something here?