Maine governor says he plans to seek 'spiritual guidance'

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Republican Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday he intends to seek "spiritual guidance" in hopes of quieting a controversy he created when he left an obscene message on a Democratic lawmaker's voicemail and then said he wished he could challenge him to a duel and point a gun at him.

LePage apologized to state Rep. Drew Gattine personally and later blamed the media for fueling the fight. He also denied claims by some legislators he was struggling with addiction or mental-health issues.

"I'm not an alcoholic. I'm not a drug addict. I don't have mental issues," LePage told reporters. "What I have is a backbone, and I want to move Maine forward."

LePage said he doesn't intend to talk to the media anymore, a claim he has made before.

In recent days, legislators have called for LePage to step down or get professional help after his remarks to Gattine and comments he made blaming blacks and Hispanics for Maine's heroin epidemic. LePage, who is Roman Catholic, responded Wednesday by saying he wouldn't resign and instead intended to seek "spiritual guidance." He did not elaborate on what that involved.

His wife said in a statement to the media the family believed God would help them through the situation.

"We have always been a family of faith, and we recognize that the grace and guidance from God can make us stronger in life," first lady Ann LePage said.

Last week, the governor left a foul-mouthed voicemail message for Gattine that said in part, "I am after you," and then he told reporters he wished he could go back in time and challenge Gattine to a duel and point a gun "right between his eyes."