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Maine Lawmakers Uphold LePage's Veto Of Bill For Election Funds

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine lawmakers have sustained the governor's veto of a bill to provide a third of a million dollars in extra election funding.The House voted 74-46 Thursday to support term-limited Republican Gov. Paul LePage's likely last veto of his tenure. Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap says the bill was needed to make sure Maine can pay its bills on time for the November election.
 
Dunlap said such costs include additional ballots, leasing of software and high-speed scanner and couriers services. He also said his department has to prepare for the possibility of ranked-choice tabulations in U.S. federal races.
 
Democratic Rep. Louis Luchini warned that not passing the bill means the state could face late fees.
 
Republican House Leader Ken Fredette said lawmakers could take up the issue in January.
 
Lawmakers returned Thursday to handle the veto from the outgoing governor and end a drawn-out legislative session.
 
Republican Gov. Paul LePage has long shattered the state's veto record.
 
The governor has withdrawn dozens of nominations of individuals to state boards and commissions, including nominees that won committee approval. He's told The Associated Press that he doesn't plan on re-instating at least some of the nominations under his watch because he claims Democrats are playing politics.
 
LePage also withdrew a superior court judge's reappointment.
 
But lawmakers Thursday could consider LePage's remaining nomination of a district court judge.