The state’s top Democrat says the ‘fundamental right to vote is under attack’ because of a proposal to adopt Voter ID and increase restrictions on absentee voting.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
King, Collins vote for Republican bill but Senate again fails to end shutdown
King, an independent, told the Press Herald he would continue to support the Republicans’ stopgap funding bill because a shutdown only accelerates the country’s ‘slide to authoritarianism.’
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Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Progressive groups pour money into Maine referendum campaigns
Money doesn’t guarantee victory, but campaign finance reports filed Monday show that groups opposing voter ID and supporting a red flag law are better positioned to reach and mobilize voters ahead of the election.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Matthew Dunlap says he will challenge Jared Golden in Democratic primary
Dunlap, the state auditor and former secretary of state from Old Town, launched his campaign Monday for Maine’s 2nd District seat in the House, giving Golden his first primary challenger since he was elected in 2018.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine won’t adopt Trump’s tax breaks on tips, overtime until lawmakers weigh in
Gov. Janet Mills has directed the state tax assessor not to align Maine’s tax code with provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill unless directed by lawmakers, saying it will cost the state more than $400 million this year.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Republican Jonathan Bush poised to enter Maine governor’s race
The cousin and nephew of former presidents is bound to shake up what has been a stable field of Republicans seeking the nomination.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Maine delegation points fingers over federal shutdown
Rep. Chellie Pingree was the only member of Maine’s congressional delegation to support Democrats’ demands in the government funding fight.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Why this federal shutdown could be different for Maine
Unlike in the past, the state has not received any details about which departments or services would be affected, Gov. Janet Mills said.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
State auditor Dunlap inches toward primary challenge against Golden
The Democrat from Old Town formed a political organization last week ahead of a possible run for the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, New England, News, Politics
Looming federal shutdown leaves 11,000 federal workers in Maine waiting in limbo
Neither Republican Sen. Susan Collins, the top Senate appropriator, nor independent Sen. Angus King would discuss the funding impasse this week.