PORTLAND, Maine — It was another busy week of politics in Maine and across the country. From our interview with Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, on guns to Chris Christie dropping out of the race for president, our analysts weigh in.
Chris Christie Drops Out
At a campaign event Wednesday in New Hampshire, Republican Chris Christie thanked his supporters as he bowed out of the presidential race. His announcement came just ahead of the Iowa caucus next week. Christie's departure could boost support for Nikki Haley. At the same event, he was caught at a hot mic saying she will be "smoked" in the race.
PHIL: "I think Chris Christie's campaign was over before it began. There was no path for him to get to the nomination, and putting his support behind Nikki Haley was probably the right diplomatic move to make. But is that going to create a momentum for Nikki Haley to overtake Trump? I don't see that happening."
ZACH: "I think in this case, he's actually saying Nikki Haley doesn't stand a chance."
BJ: "Yeah, and Phil's right. The race was over before it even started. And it's a sad day for moderate Republicans because increasingly it's been shown that there's not necessarily a home for them in the modern-day Republican Party as it becomes more and more extreme. So really, you know, the day of the moderate Republican may be waning."
Rep. Jared Golden on Guns
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, is continuing to stand by his reversal on gun laws after the deadly Lewiston shootings. In an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine's Don Carrigan, Golden talked about the surprise announcement he made calling on Congress to ban assault-style weapons. He said he decided those weapons need to be controlled because they are more dangerous and even admitting to owning one himself. Critics say it could impact his re-election.
PHIL: "I think he's speaking his truth. I complimented Jared for his courage in the midst of this tragedy to admit that he's changing his positions. And I think many people respect that. I think the hard part is going to be not only getting the legislation passed in Washington. But also, how do you how do you enforce it? There's already, you know, I don't know how many hundreds of thousands of these weapons in the possession of law-abiding citizens."
BJ: "Yeah. I mean, I will say that with Congressman Golden, he speaks very authentically about this issue. He knows the issue. And I think voters will see that. And while I applaud his efforts to try to do something in Washington, D.C., lawmakers in Augusta also can take action to make changes that will move much more quickly than the slow machine of Washington. And I think that they're poised to do so."
PHIL: "Well, I should also add, we all acknowledge now that what [Lewiston shooter] Robert Card did never should have happened. There was plenty of warnings that he was not of sound mind. And those weapons should have been taken away from him under existing Maine law."
Strengthening Abortion Rights Protections
In Augusta, Democrats are continuing their fight to protect abortion rights in Maine. They're now pushing for a constitutional amendment. Just months ago, their efforts to expand access to abortion was met with protests. Republicans say this bill isn't needed.
BJ: "I mean, look, the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade said that the states need to decide. And that's exactly what lawmakers are doing in Augusta. And at the end of the day, whether you support or oppose abortion, what lawmakers ultimately are voting on is whether or not they should send a constitutional amendment to the voters of Maine. And if Republicans truly believe they're on the side of voters in Maine, they should be willing to let voters speak rather than stop that from being on the ballot."
PHIL: "I agree with B.J., but it is also political. This is probably the wedge issue in this upcoming election. Democrats want abortion front and center to contrast with Republicans who tend to be, you know, not in favor of abortion. So getting it in the Constitution requires a two thirds vote of the legislature and a majority of Maine citizens. So, you know, the point, if this is really the mood of Maine, then it should go to the voters."
ZACH: "Do you think that's likely to happen?"
BJ: "I don't think they're going to get the two-thirds vote in the in the House."
You can watch Political Brew every Sunday on The Morning Report at 6 a.m. You can also catch it any time on NEWS CENTER Maine+.