Candidate For Governor For Maine Announces He’s Gay

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Democratic challenger to Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he announced he's gay to counter "whisper campaigns, insinuations and push-polls" targeting his personal life.

Six-term Congressman Mike Michaud (MEE'-show) says in an op-ed that he wanted his political foes to know that, in his words, "I am not ashamed of who I am."

Michaud is engaged in a three-way race with LePage, the Republican incumbent, and wealthy independent Eliot Cutler.

It's unknown what impact, if any, Michaud's disclosure might have in a state where voters approved gay marriage a year ago. Michaud supported the measure.

Cutler, whose campaign denied any involvement in a whisper campaign, said Michaud's disclosure should have no bearing on the race. LePage's campaign declined to comment.

There are currently no gay governors in the United States.

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