Maine Gov. LePage releases folder to support drug arrests are '90%' of Latinos, blacks
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2016 file photo, Maine Gov. Paul LePage speaks during a conference of New England's governors and eastern Canada's premiers to discuss closer regional collaboration, in Boston. Maineââ¬â¢s Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap says LePageââ¬â¢s recent behavior has caused outrage but that doesnââ¬â¢t mean he canââ¬â¢t keep performing as governor. Critics want to punish LePage for an obscenity-laden voicemail and threats directed at a legislator. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File) (AP)
Maine Gov. Paul LePage has released documents he said he used for the basis of his assertion that blacks and Hispanics account for "90-plus percent" of heroin trafficking arrests in his state.
The 148-page binder includes news clippings and press releases issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety.
A state police spokesman says the press releases are items of law enforcement interest but that they don't constitute a comprehensive look at drug arrests.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LePage created a firestorm with his remarks at a town hall meeting in August, and media organizations requested the contents of the binder under the Maine Freedom of Access Act.
The Republican governor said he began collecting newspaper clippings about drug arrests in January after being criticized for saying out-of-state drug dealers were impregnating "young white" girls.