The increased use of so-called concept drafts that allow lawmakers to withhold details about pending legislation has generated criticism from the public, advocates and lawmakers alike.
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 inElection 2024, News, Politics
Hand recount underway in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Austin Theriault requested the recount after losing the race to Rep. Jared Golden by 2,706 votes, or less than 1% of votes cast.
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Posted inElection 2024, Maine, News, Politics
Gov. Mills not ready to join Trump resistance movement, yet
Gov. Janet Mills is taking more of a wait-and-see approach than some Democratic governors, who have formed a resistance network even before Donald Trump takes office.
Posted inMaine, Nation & World, News, Politics
Gov. Mills doesn’t rule out challenging Susan Collins for U.S. Senate in 2026
But Maine’s Democratic governor said she is focusing on her final two years as governor, while applauding U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ ascent as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, where she can direct more federal spending to Maine.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Aaron Frey faces challenge for Maine attorney general post
The attorney general is one of three constitutional officers elected by lawmakers by secret ballot. The Democratic majority in the Legislature will make its selections in December.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Recount in Sanford election tie goes to incumbent Republican accused of choking wife
Rep. Lucas Lanigan, who defeated Democrat Patricia Kidder by one vote, has been charged with aggravated domestic violence assault for allegedly choking his wife. She has asked the charge to be dropped, but officials say they plan to pursue the case against Lanigan.
Posted inElection 2024, Maine, News, Politics
The latest on recounts in legislative races, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Four recounts in state legislative races have so far confirmed the election night winners, all Democrats.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Democrats turn to southern Maine for legislative leadership
All 6 of the party’s leaders in the 132nd Legislature represent communities within 26 miles of Portland, opening Democrats to criticism from Republicans for not representing the whole state.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Sen. Collins wants full confirmation process for Trump appointees
In a 15-minute interview with the Press Herald, Maine’s senior senator also talked about some of President-elect Donald Trump’s early moves and policy goals.
Posted inNews, Politics
Susan Collins plans to seek reelection in 2026
The Republican, Maine’s senior U.S. senator, told a reporter at the Capitol that she will seek a sixth term.