Shutdown foes stage rallies in Mass., Maine

Concord, N.H. — Coronavirus-related developments across New England:

Maine

An anti-shutdown rally in Maine featured a prominent GOP face, or at least his voice.

Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who recently returned to Maine from Florida, addressed a crowd of several hundred people in Augusta on Saturday from inside a Lexus SC430 parked about 30 feet away. LePage remained in the car because he is self-quarantined, and his remarks were broadcast via cellphone.

People holding signs blaming Democratic Gov. Janet Mills for ruining the economy and taking away their freedoms lined the road between the Blaine House and the Statehouse, while a motorcade of honking cars and trucks adorned with American flags and Trump campaign signs passed by.

LePage told a conservative radio show host late last month that Mills “ought to resign” over her plan for reopening the state’s economy. He also used his strongest language yet in suggesting a reelection bid, saying he’ll

“challenge Janet Mills or the Democratic Party in 2022.”

Another 45 people tested positive for the new coronavirus and one more person died, the Maine Center for Disease Control reported Saturday. The total number of deaths increased to 70, and total cases increased to 1,648, officials said.

Meanwhile, Maine’s Democratic representatives in Congress were split on the $3 trillion coronavirus response bill their pushed through the House.

U.S. Rep. Jaren Golden said he supports many of the bill’s provisions but voted against it because it expanded in scope beyond the nation’s core, urgent needs and included a series of unrelated provisions. U.S. Rep.

Chellie Pingree voted for the bill, saying it addresses many complex elements of the public health and economic crisis.

Massachusetts

More than 100 protesters gathered near the Swampscott home of Gov. Charlie Baker on Saturday demanding the immediate reopening of all businesses and churches.

Some of the participants carried flags and worse Minuteman-style hats. “Open Business. Close Baker,” read one sign. Another said, “Charlie Baker is the least essential worker in the state.” Neighbors who support the Republican governor countered with a sign that read: “We love you, Governor Baker.”