midterms 2014

Maine Governor Paul LePage Jokes That Journalist Should Be on ‘Suicide Watch’

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, right, speaks to reporters while visiting C&L Aviation with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in Bangor, Maine. Christie returned to Maine to campaign for LePage's re-election campaign. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Photo: Robert F. Bukaty

You know, every once in a while, my friend Paul LePage may say things in a way that are rather direct,” Chris Christie said at a rally for Maine’s Republican governor on Monday night. At the same event, LePage offered up an example, in case anyone has forgotten that he compared the IRS to Nazis, hurled a crude Vaseline-related insult and claimed Obama hates white people. “I want to put Bill Nemitz on a suicide watch,” LePage said, referring to a Portland Press Herald columnist who frequently criticizes him. “We’ve got to make sure that for the next 24 hours that he doesn’t go anywhere near the new Bucksport bridge.” Democrats called the remark “distasteful and inappropriate,” but Nemitz took it in stride. “Suicide watch? As if! Don’t flatter yourself,” he tweeted.

Maine Governor: Put Columnist on ‘Suicide Watch’