Lawmakers Looking at Novel Way to Punish Maine Governor

Lawmakers critical of Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage are looking at a novel way to punish him after efforts to convene a special session fell flat.

Independent Rep. Jeffrey Evangelos and a growing number of Democrats are asking Democratic Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap to invoke a never-before-used constitutional clause to ask Maine's supreme court to determine whether LePage is unfit because of "temporary mental or physical disability."

Dunlap's spokeswoman says he's reviewing the request and has received about 25 similar public requests.

Critics want to punish LePage for threatening a Democratic lawmaker and blaming blacks and Hispanics for fueling the opioid epidemic. LePage apologized for threatening the lawmaker.

A Democrat-led effort for a special session to address LePage's conduct failed following Republican resistance. Reconvening requires both parties' majority approval.  -AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)