SCARBOROUGH, Maine - The ongoing saga over who will debate whom in the three-way race for governor continues. At a Friday morning news conference, Republican Gov. Paul LePage was once again asked to clarify his position about appearing on stage with Democratic opponent Mike Michaud. This time the governor said he will be at the debates but not on the stage.
"Oh, I'll be in the audience," he said. "I fully intend to be at every debate. But I'm telling you that I will not step on the stage with a liar."
LePage is upset that Michaud hasn't denounced a third-party's television ad that claims LePage equates Social Security with welfare. LePage says that isn't true. Michaud points out that the governor previously issued a press release that made that statement.
The first debate between the three gubernatorial candidates is scheduled for Oct. 8 in Portland.