Congressman Mike Michaud on Thursday officially launched his Democratic campaign to unseat Maine's Republican Gov. Paul LePage next year.
"We are being held back by a lack of leadership, by pettiness and anger and by policies that stand in the way of progress, growth and opportunity," Michaud told supporters, according to the
Portland Press Herald.
The six-term congressman, a onetime mill worker, held the kickoff in Lewiston, the hometown of LePage.
He said Maine is at "a crossroads" and in need of new leadership.
"Personal and political attacks are standing in the way of progress," he added. "Our state has become a punch line on the late-night TV news."