Republican Eric Brakey and Democrat Zak Ringelstein debated without the incumbent on Thursday, but they face an uphill challenge given the senator’s popularity and Maine’s history.
We may learn today if Gov. Paul LePage’s administration will release roughly $1 million in taxpayer funding for campaigns or appeal a judge’s order. Uncertainty remains for candidates.
Attorney General Janet Mills has raised the most money, businessman Shawn Moody has used lots of personal money and the two independents in the race have had to spend on different schedules.
It’s a key moment for advocates of expansion, but the state has already blown past two deadlines under the law with resistance from Gov. Paul LePage and no dedicated funding from the Legislature.
The legislative session is expected to stretch on into late July after Democrats and Republicans pulled up just short of compromise on one of their last outstanding issues.
