For those unfamiliar with Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R), it's tempting to offer some kind of recap of his greatest rhetorical hits, but it would simply take too long. Do we start with the time he told the state NAACP to "kiss my butt" or the time he equated the IRS with Nazis? Either way, the far-right governor's penchant for buffoonery has turned LePage into something of a laughingstock.
There are many in the state who hoped that as the governor settled into his post, he might grow into the office, become more composed, and have a better appreciation for his responsibilities. LePage was, after, all, a Tea Party candidate elected in 2010 with just 38% of the vote in a three-way race, so Mainers wanted him to approach his duties with some humility.
Gov. Paul LePage on Thursday said a Democratic lawmaker, Sen. Troy Jackson of Aroostook County, "claims to be for the people but he's the first one to give it to the people without providing Vaseline."LePage also said that Jackson has a "black heart" and that he should go back in the woods and cut trees "and let someone with a brain come down here and do some good work."
A local reporter suggested some might find his choice of words offensive. "Good," LePage said before ending the interview by walking away.
Rachel will have more on this and some related angles on the show tonight.