AUGUSTA, Maine - After hinting yesterday that he might not participate in any gubernatorial debates, Republican Gov. Paul LePage made it official today that he will not debate Democratic challenger, Congressman Mike Michaud until Michaud admits that a third-party political ad falsely misstates the governor's definitions of welfare.
The ad, from an outside group, accuses LePage of considering Social Security as a form of welfare. The governor staunchly denies that characterization and says that debates with Michaud are off until the Democrat denounces the ad.
"I'm calling him out and the ball is in his court, and if he wants to be honest, I will be there," LePage said, "and if he chooses not to be honest, then I won't be there -- that's his call."
Michaud, and independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler, plan to hold press conferences on LePage's decision later today. The governor did say he would debate Cutler at any time.