AUGUSTA — Maine Gov. Paul LePage had some strong words after a meeting Saturday with a Democratic state representative from Lincolnville and several unemployed job seekers.

LePage was having the impromptu meeting with the job seekers — who were protesting outside the Blaine House — and his staff then invited Lincolnville Rep. Andrew O’Brien to join them.

O’Brien, who was at the protest, said he had been trying unsuccessfully for a while to meet with LePage to talk about the challenges faced by the unemployed. As part of his effort, O’Brien had drafted a letter to the governor suggesting LePage host sessions at career centers in Maine to hear from the unemployed.

The letter and unsuccessful efforts by O’Brien and others to use the Rockland Career Center for a meeting with unemployed residents became the focus of media reports. Labor Department officials had denied the use of the Career Center for the meeting, saying it did not offer enough room for such a gathering.

After the Saturday session, LePage talked for several minutes with Capitol News Service reporter Mal Leary. In response to questions about the meeting and O’Brien’s letter, LePage said, “It’s all a big play and I think it’s bullshit.” He repeated the word for emphasis, according to Leary.

A blog by Bangor Daily News reporter Eric Russell said a LePage spokeswoman later explained that LePage was frustrated by what he considered political maneuvering by O’Brien and by media reports on O’Brien’s letter before LePage had a chance to review the letter.

Democrats criticized LePage Monday, saying his “bullshit” reference was directed at the unemployed workers and their desire to talk to him.

But Leary said Monday it was clear to him LePage was referring to the issue with O’Brien, not the meeting he had with the three jobless residents. Leary said interviews he did with the three indicated that while they didn’t agree with everything the governor said, they were pleased he was willing to meet with them and discuss the issues.

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