By Peter A. Steele

TCT Editor

You shouldn’t bet against Paul LePage.

He’s been coming from behind his whole life, starting with his escape from an abusive home at age 11 and living on the streets in Lewiston. Against overwhelming odds, he graduated from high school and college, then earned an MBA and worked his way up to his position as general manager for Marden’s Inc.

A Republican mayor in heavily Democratic Waterville, LePage has worked with his Democratic council to reduce taxes, control spending and maintain services. He seemed a long shot to win the Republican primary in a field of well-known and better-financed candidates. But, again, he came from behind with a resounding victory.

His commanding lead in the governor’s race slipped away in recent days as independently wealthy media favorite Eliot Cutler began to rise in the polls. Even on Election Night, early results showed him lagged behind Cutler. But, once again, LePage came from behind to turn adversity into victory. Do you see a pattern here?

Read the rest of this entry »