Republican Paul LePage, the former governor of Maine who is running to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, has defended his stance on Social Security and Medicaid amidst criticisms from his Democratic opponent.
Democratic congressional nominee Matt Dunlap, who serves as Maine’s state auditor, launched pointed attacks against LePage’s position on Medicaid during the two candidates’ final debate on October 15. According to Dunlap, “If you don’t believe people should have healthcare, then you follow Paul LePage, which is getting rid of Medicaid.”
During his time as governor, LePage vetoed five bills that proposed expanding the state’s Medicaid program. In the debate, he defended his record and denied that he had a problem with Medicaid on principle. According to LePage, “I said Medicaid, folks, Medicaid would work if you reimburse the hospitals and the medical profession at cost, but below cost, everybody loses.” He also accused Dunlap of not doing enough to fight healthcare fraud in his capacity as state auditor, while Dunlap responded by saying his office had been proactive on the matter.
Dunlap was also critical comments LePage had made regarding Social Security in 2014, claiming that he had described it as welfare. LePage retorted that his statement had referenced government transfer receipts and their impact on calculating personal income growth, and had not targeted Social Security. Dunlap has made Social Security a large part of his campaign, previously calling for eliminating the payroll tax cap so that high earners pay more into the program.
While retiring Democrat Jared Golden currently represents Maine’s second congressional district, it encompasses the rural northern mass of the state where voters have favored President Donald J. Trump in previous elections. University of Maine Political Science Department Chair Mark Brewer has described Dunlap as representing an old-school blue-collar Democratic point of view, saying, “He’s well respected across the district by both Democrats and also by some Republicans.” This may explain why Social Security and healthcare policy has figured heavily into the race, rather than culture war flashpoint issues.
Though LePage rejected Dunlap’s characterization of his positions on Medicaid and Social Security in the final debate, he criticized Dunlap’s advocacy of Medicare for All, warning that it would create rationing. He urged voters to reject Dunlap as the fiscally irresponsible candidate, and assured them, “If you want somebody that’s going to lower costs, go after fraud. I’m your guy.”
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