Press Releases
Pingree responds to Governor's comments about inauguration and Congressman John Lewis
Washington, DC,
January 17, 2017
Governor Paul LePage gave an interview this morning criticizing both Congressman John Lewis and Congresswoman Pingree's decision not to attend President-elect Trump’s inaugural ceremony.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on an interview Governor Paul LePage gave this morning criticizing both Congressman John Lewis and her decision not to attend President-elect Trump’s inaugural ceremony. “Governor LePage is free to criticize me just as he has many others in our state. But, like Donald Trump, he does our country a complete disservice with his inaccurate comments about Congressman John Lewis. “Like Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis is a civil rights hero. Denigrating the contributions he has made toward equality in our nation further divides us. We should not, and I will not, take for granted all of those who spoke up for social justice and equality when it was unpopular. That fight is never ending, and one I will always champion. “As for my decision not to attend the inauguration, I do not feel that it is the right time for pomp and circumstance. That is why I will be in Maine this Friday instead of engaging in the ceremony. The stakes are too high for my constituents. As their voice, I am standing up for the thousands of people who’ve contacted my office over the last few weeks because they are outraged, concerned, and saddened by Mr. Trump’s comments and actions. And thousands more face the threat of losing their health care coverage with absolutely no plan for how they will stay connected to care. “I have no intention of letting up in the fight for their needs and those of our communities at this critical time." Video from Congresswoman Pingree's speech standing up for Congressman John Lewis and announcing that she wouldn't attend the inaugural. |