AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Maine's Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew will leave the job this Friday. The governor's office announced Wednesday that Mayhew was resigning.
Gov. LePage praised her work running DHHS and for being what he called a "lightning rod" in the face of "constant criticism from the media, liberal legislators and the special interests…"
"She handled it all with grit and grace," LePage said. "More importantly, she had the fortitude and the competence to finally bring accountability and fiscal responsibility to Maine’s formerly out-of-control welfare system."
Some say Commissioner Mayhew's announcement isn't a total surprise. There is lots of speculation that she intends to run for governor herself, to succeed Paul LePage.
Mayhew has certainly been the focus of almost endless criticism from Democrats and advocates for the poor and those who need social services. That's mostly because she has been at the tip of the governor's sword for cutting welfare and reducing the size of the Medicaid program.
» WATCH: Mary Mayhew provides statement after Gov. LePage announces she will leave role as DHHS commissioner
"Over the last several years we have both stabilized our financial foundation," Mayhew said, "but in doing so. we have been able to prioritize and make sure our core mission is effectively supporting elderly, disabled children, and improving the pathways to employment."
Democrats and advocates had harsh words for Mayhew on Wednesday. They said her leadership had made life worse for many people in need and accused DHHS of trying to "punish people out of poverty."
Mayhew did not take any questions and has still not made any public comments about running for governor. However, local Republican leaders have told us she has been making the rounds of county meetings and taking the needed steps to prepare to run.
If she does, it will apparently be with the blessing of LePage, who said Mayhew had "done an exceptional job" managing DHHS.
"We are truly sorry to see her go," LePage said, "but we wish her all the best.”