(CNN) – Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage is keeping up his reputation for blunt language, telling an unhappy NAACP chapter that they can "kiss my butt."
The governor made the comments to CNN affiliate WCSH after being asked about criticism he received from the organization for refusing to attend an event it is sponsoring on behalf of Martin Luther King Day.
"They are a special interest. End of story...and I'm not going to be held hostage by special interests. And if they want, they can look at my family picture. My son happens to be black, so they can do whatever they'd like about it," LePage said.
The governor has an adopted son from Jamaica, according to WSCH.
Specifically, the NAACP event involved meeting with black prisoners at the state prison. Le Page maintains the organization rejected his requirement to meet with all prisoners at the event.
"That wasn't acceptable to them," LePage said. "So, tough luck."
During his campaign for governor, the Tea Party-backed LePage faced fire when he said he would tell President Obama to "go to hell" if he was elected. LePage later said he regretted the bluntness of his words.
What a sad state of affairs when our elected officials act like spoiled brats. Disgraceful. I'm sure he'll make time for photo ops.
They elected this twit so they could have a good laugh now and then! Right?
Awesome!! Some one needs to take a stand against these peeps
Ooooh, what a tough guy. I wonder what the NC governor is going to say about the NAACP filing a complaint against the teatard-laden school board on one of NC's counties that is trying to re-institute segregationist policies and practices. Got my popcorn ready for that one. Oh, what's that? The "news" media is going to bury that story because it puts the lie in the claim that the Teatards aren't motivated, at core, by racism, bigotry and a desire to make sure that minorities are kept in their place lest they think they can take the country away from the white people who were supposed to own it? Wait...the "news" media acting to protect it's carefully constructed story of Teatard legitimacy? Who'd a thunk?
This guy sounds like a real gem. I'm sure his son would be proud.
Just who we need representing us, a lot of class. glad he has shown just how civil his is even when he disagrees.
way to go Govenor
Nutjob and a fat ugly one to boot.
So – having an adopted son who is black is a license to insult millions of people and the values they hold? You sir, are an idiot. How typical of the tea-party racists.
Just another idiot with an agenda. But hey, if that what the majority of voters want...I have no problem with it.
I think LePage should do something in observance of MLK day for .... at least he should do it his son. Furthermore, He could have shown some leadership is proposing to do something else constructive if had objections to NAACP's request. But that kinda tone we took with them is simply not right.
Love the new attitude of truth and bluntness! Good job, Governor!
I hate it when White people say they are not prejudice – or they like black people – or they have nothing against Black people – and the reason why it’s true is because one of their best friends is Black or in this case, “I have a son that’s Black” – Maybe he adopted the Jamaican son just to get Black votes – who knows???
LePage should have been more sensitive to the NAACP because he HAS a Black son – Whatever!! The NAACP is not going to "kiss any butt" and they will continue to exist, as LePage puts it, as a "special interest group." As far as LePage’s job as governor is concerned, that may be history!!
Don't they marry their own kin in Maine?
The Governor certainly has the right to refuse the NAACP or any other group he may choose. I just hope he remembers who he has instructed to "Kiss His Butt" come next election when he wants votes.
Good for him, when a public group requests a public meeting, elected officals refuse 1000's of events, they do not have enough time or travel money, over looking MLKD might not be polite, he should have given a reason but CNN would never tells the whole story.
So we don't know, but we know the NAACP called CNN to bad mouth the Maine elected officals! NAACP never miss a opportunity do you?
This is what the GOP considers "minority outreach".
And you can french kiss mine!
I am surprised LePage hasn't announced running for president yet, as he seems to have all the bagger qualifications.
Dont any of the GOP have manners or respect for anyone or anything but themselves. Bipartisan government is an impossibility with them because if its not thier way its no way. if they become more dominant in 2012 we can kiss our country goodbye. we'll be run right back into the gutter President Obama pulled us out of.
His "bluntness' is going to get his "butt" in a fix. He just can't say anything he wants to say and there not be repercussions, no matter what.
Glad to see somebody stand up to that racist group finally.
What a sorry excuse for a governor and an American. Nice going there Main.
Maine that is.
I don't understand why this guy states to look at his family....what does it mean if you adopted a black person from Jamaica? This guy needs to grow up and stop being disrespectful. Is that what he's teachinig is adopted child?
All he needed to say was that he will not attend.