The lack of any Democratic or Republican primary challengers will allow Gov. Janet Mills and former Gov. Paul LePage to focus their full attention on each other in what is expected to be a costly and contentious race this fall.
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Divided legislative committee passes landmark tribal sovereignty bill
The proposal to rewrite the state’s land claims settlement act is opposed by the Mills administration, which has offered more narrow legislation negotiated with tribal leaders.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine’s top election official seeks funding to conduct post-voting audits
Maine is one of only six states that does not have a formal election auditing program.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Burst water pipe closes State House
The building will remain closed Tuesday and legislative committee meetings will be held remotely.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills considers options as pressure rises with gas and oil prices
The governor stands behind her proposal for tax refunds but says that she’s ‘eager to listen to any and all proposals’ to help Mainers deal with the skyrocketing cost of fuel.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills files to qualify for November ballot
Mills’ campaign announced the filing of nomination petitions in a news release Thursday, days after formally announcing her re-election bid.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine Legislature advances election security, transparency bills
One bill was inspired by third party audits of the 2020 presidential election in Colorado and Arizona, where partisan actors sought to cast doubt on and overturn election results.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine House slams door on fees for vacant second homes
The bill would have allowed municipalities to assess fees on vacant year-round homes, as long as the revenue was used to increase affordable housing.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Launching re-election bid, Gov. Mills says there’s more to do
Janet Mills, the state’s first female governor, could face former Gov. Paul LePage in what’s expected to be an expensive general election between well-known candidates with a history of conflict.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Lawmakers endorse batch of child protection reforms
The bills supported by a legislative committee Monday will be debated by the full Legislature in the coming weeks.