PORTLAND, Maine - Maine's Republican governor has become a campaign issue in the race for mayor in Portland.
Incumbent Mayor Michael Brennan, who's seeking re-election, said during a debate Tuesday that "the answer is no'' when asked if he can work with Gov. Paul LePage. He accused Ethan Strimling, a former state senator, of "naively believing he can change'' the city's relationship with the governor.
Strimling insisted he'd work with anyone - including LePage - if he's elected.
The exchange was reported by the Portland Press Herald.
Maine's largest city has fought the LePage administration over benefits for immigrants seeking asylum. The governor isn't a big fan of southern Maine, saying people "not only ignore corruption, but welcome it.''
The Portland mayoral race features Strimling, Brennan and Green Independent leader Tom MacMillan.