Dunlap proposes four debates against LePage

Democratic congressional candidate Matt Dunlap challenged Republican Paul LePage to four debates on Wednesday.

Dunlap has received and accepted invitations from WMTW for Oct. 1 and WABI on Oct. 15, according to his campaign. Overall, he has proposed debates be held in Bangor, Lewiston, the Downeast region and up north. 

LePage spokesperson Brent Littlefield said the campaign issued a memo to “organizations and news outlets requesting debates” months ago. “We are evaluating and will announce our schedule,” Littlefield said, not specifying when but confirming that the Republican will debate. 

Dunlap and LePage are vying for Maine’s 2nd District seat to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, who is not seeking reelection. 

Dunlap criticized LePage, former governor of Maine, for not holding town halls and declining events such as the Maine Medical Association candidate forum earlier this month.

“If you’re not willing to answer tough questions, you have no business running for Congress or any other office,” Dunlap said in a statement Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, Littlefield took aim at Dunlap’s record when pressed on LePage’s debate attendance. 

“Governor LePage will absolutely debate Dunlap who failed the auditor exam multiple times, was forced to leave office, and who let welfare fraud perpetuate on his watch,” Littlefield said in a statement.

In 2021, Dunlap stepped down as state auditor after he failed to pass two accounting tests, preventing him from securing a key certification within the eligibility window. Jacob Norton filled the position, but also resigned shortly after he failed to get his auditing certification. Dunlap passed the exams after his 2021 resignation, and returned as state auditor in 2022. 

Maine is facing heightened federal scrutiny over allegations of improper billing and fraud within MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program. Dunlap had flagged several potential problems during his annual review of Maine’s compliance with various federal programs.

Disagreements over debates are not unique to this race. Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson have been sparring over dates and format.