House Speaker Mark Eves has lost what may only be the first round in his legal battle with Gov. Paul LePage.
Federal judge George Singal has ruled against Eves in his lawsuit against LePage for the his interference in Eves’ job as president of the Good Will-Hinckley School. In his 44-page ruling Singal dismissed arguments that the governor had exceeded his discretion as the state’s chief executive.
But in a statement, David Webbert, Eves’ attorney, says the case will be appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. He believes the three-judge court will overturn Singal’s ruling because LePage’s actions — using taxpayer money to “blackmail” a private organization — crossed the line and constitute a violation of the constitution.
“The governor is pleased with this result, and he appreciates the careful attention and decision of the Court,” Patrick Strawbridge, LePage’s lawyer, says in a statement. “We remain confident that this case is without merit, and we will continue to defend it vigorously should the Speaker decide to appeal. We will have no further comment on this pending litigation.”
It will take months, if not years, for the appeals court process to be completed.
