Virginia Gov. Youngkin fundraises for LePage, Dems call both 'far right extremists'
LEWISTON (WGME) -- Maine's race for governor was kicked up a notch Wednesday with a high-profile visit for former Governor Paul LePage and a strong response from Democrats.
Virginia's Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin was at a LePage fundraiser in Lewiston Wednesday night, even as Democrats in both states have harsh words about their records on key issues.
Both parties use closed-door fundraisers, which allow them to speak frankly with their supporters.
Right now, Mainers still don’t know where LePage stands on abortion rights, education and other key issues.
The LePage campaign has yet to release details of his proposed “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
Youngkin’s victory led to a wave of proposals to crackdown on the teaching of race and LGBTQ issues in Virginia schools.
- Also read: Virginia governor stumping for LePage
In Maine, the first GOP campaign ad claimed the Mills administration spent tax money on a school lesson plan that included transgender perspectives.
Both Republican leaders have the backing of former President Donald Trump.
Democratic leaders in Maine and Virginia claim LePage and Youngkin are both far right radicals.
"LePage has said 'The enemy right now is people of color.' LePage has said 'The NAACP should apologize to the white people,'" Virginia Democratic Party Chair Susan Swecker said. "LePage has said 'People of color are coming to Maine to impregnate white women.' That's disgusting."
"There's more in common between the two of them than meets the eye,” Maine Democratic Party Chair Drew Gattine said. “Namely, they are both far right extremists who are pushing policies that threaten the fundamental freedoms of the people in their states."
Democratic leaders say if re-elected, LePage would try to end abortion rights in Maine, something Youngkin says he hopes to do in Virginia.