Governor shocks

Maine’s bombastic Republican governor has built a reputation on his unfiltered comments, but an obscene tirade against a liberal Democratic lawmaker has prompted Democrats to warn that he may be coming unhinged. Paul LePage apologised to the people of Maine after he left a voicemail message for Drew Gattine that said ‘‘I am after you’’ and then told reporters he wished he could challenge Gattine to a duel and point a gun ‘‘right between his eyes’’. LePage said the angry outburst was justified because Gattine had called him racist – something Gattine has denied. Assistant House Democratic Leader Sara Gideon yesterday called for a ‘‘political intervention’’ from both parties to ensure that LePage either ‘‘gets the help that he needs’’ or was removed from office.