AUGUSTA, Maine - A bill that would install a statue of a former Maine senator in the U.S. Capitol and replace one of a onetime vice president for Abraham Lincoln has been put on hold.
A statute of Hannibal Hamlin currently sits in the U.S. Capitol. The Portland Press Herald reports that a bill to replace his statue with one of Margaret Chase Smith stalled Monday after Maine State Museum officials overseeing the effort said it would be too expensive and time-consuming.
Museum Director Bernard Fishman testified Monday before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, saying a special commission should instead be created to raise funds for the project.
Officials estimate the total cost at $250,000 per statue.
The education committee is expected to discuss the bill on Tuesday.