Augusta, Maine — As gubernatorial candidates Bobby Charles, Rick Bennett, and Hannah Pingree head into an event sponsored by the Maine Hospital Association and the University of New England, the contrast between their records could not be clearer. While Hannah Pingree has spent her career working to make health care more affordable and accessible, Bobby Charles and Rick Bennett have repeatedly opposed efforts to expand access and lower costs for Maine families.
Charles’ record on health care:
Charles wants to impose burdensome regulations and restrictions that would shrink enrollment and kick Mainers off MaineCare.
Charles’ plan to slash the state budget by $4 billion would devastate health care and other essential government services statewide. Even his fellow Republicans called his budget plan reckless.
Charles supports Trump’s budget law that has driven up health insurance premiums for Mainers.
Bennett’s record on health care:
Rick Bennett repeatedly opposed MaineCare expansion and proudly stood by Paul LePage as chair of the Maine GOP through multiple LePage expansion vetoes.
In 2017, Bennett even tried to reframe Maine’s ballot question to expand MaineCare to confuse voters in an effort to defeat the initiative.
Bennett also called the Affordable Care Act the “hallmark of government inefficiency and overreach.”
Statement from Maine Democratic Party Spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen:
“Mainers don’t need politicians who have spent years trying to make it harder to get health care — they need a governor who will make it more affordable and accessible. Rick Bennett and Bobby Charles have long records of opposing MaineCare expansion and backing policies that would raise costs and reduce coverage. Hannah Pingree is the only candidate in this race with a proven commitment to lowering health care costs, protecting coverage, and expanding access for Maine families.”
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