PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Parties have filed legal briefs with the state supreme court over whether Gov. Paul LePage inadvertently allowed dozens of bills to become law.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court asked interested parties to file briefs on whether the dispute represents a “solemn occasion” that merits its consideration and on the legal arguments by Friday.
The leadership of the Maine House and Senate contend 65 bills, including some that LePage vehemently opposed, became law because of the governor’s failure to act. LePage argued that the 10-day deadline didn’t apply because lawmakers had adjourned, while lawmakers contended they’d planned all along to return.
LePage’s attorney told the supreme court Friday that the governor needs answers because he has an obligation to faithfully execute “only those laws that are valid.”
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