PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ The Democratic challenger to Maine Gov. Paul LePage has announced that he's gay, saying he needed to address his sexuality to counter ``whisper campaigns, insinuations and push-polls'' that raised questions about his personal life.
Six-term Congressman Mike Michaud writes in an op-ed provided to The Associated Press and two Maine newspapers that he wanted his political foes to know that, in his words, ``I am not ashamed of who I am.'' Michaud didn't identify who he thinks was behind the whisper campaign.
The announcement adds intrigue to a tight three-way race with LePage, the Republican incumbent, and wealthy independent Eliot Cutler.
It's unknown what impact, if any, Michaud's disclosure might have in a state where voters approved gay marriage a year ago. Michaud supported the measure.
There are no gay governors in the United States.