LEWISTON — A Maine state representative called a candidate for mayor of Lewiston an “anti-Christian bigot” in a Facebook post, adding more fuel to an already contentious campaign.

Republican Rep. Larry Lockman of Amherst posted on Tuesday that Ben Chin hates Christians, a claim Chin says is totally false.

Chin faces Lewiston Mayor Bob Macdonald in a runoff election next month.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported that Chin said he often serves as a lay Episcopal preacher and reads sermons at Trinity Church in Lewiston. He describes Lockman’s criticism as “craven.”

Lockman didn’t immediately return a call to his home Wednesday.

The mayoral campaign became heated earlier when Lewiston building owner Joe Dunne put up signs that said “Don’t vote for Ho Chi Chin” before the Nov. 3 election.


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