Brian Duff interviewed by Associated Press on LePage鈥檚 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鈥檚 record of vetoing more bills than any other governor in Maine鈥檚 recent history. The story ran in several news outlets, including the online , the Boston Globe, Seacoastonline and Kennebec Journal.

The article quoted Duff, calling LePage鈥檚 veto frequency 鈥渆normously unusual.鈥  He said:  鈥淲e have a tendency to elect these sort of middle-of-the-road moderates鈥擠emocrat or Republican鈥攁nd LePage is not like that at all.鈥

Duff also explained his view that LePage鈥檚 extensive use of veto power is testimony to his deeply held political convictions.  鈥淗e vetoes with gusto because he believes in it in a profound way,鈥 said Duff.  鈥淗e 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.鈥 .