Brian Duff interviewed by Associated Press on LePage’s use of veto

The Associated Press on July 3, 2013, featured comments by Brian Duff, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science, concerning Governor Paul LePage’s record of vetoing more bills than any other governor in Maine’s recent history. The story ran in several news outlets, including the online Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, Seacoastonline and Kennebec Journal.

The article quoted Duff, calling LePage’s veto frequency “enormously unusual.”  He said:  “We have a tendency to elect these sort of middle-of-the-road moderates—Democrat or Republican—and LePage is not like that at all.”

Duff also explained his view that LePage’s extensive use of veto power is testimony to his deeply held political convictions.  “He vetoes with gusto because he believes in it in a profound way,” said Duff.  “He is incredibly passionate about his very conservative ideas, the role of government, and I think he is genuinely offended by the legislation he is vetoing.” Read the article.