AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - A former Republican legislator tabbed to serve on the board of Maine's Dirigo Health Agency by Gov. Paul LePage has withdrawn his nomination and criticized what he called a "coordinated attack" from three liberal groups that opposed him.

Jonathan McKane said Tuesday at a hearing before the Legislature's Insurance Committee that the Maine Education Association, the Maine Peoples Alliance and Consumers for Affordable Healthcare had subjected him to "ridiculous, baseless insults" at a hearing last week.

McKane, a former state representative from Newcastle, is a longtime critic of Dirigo Health.

The agency coordinates affordable health care coverage to eligible small employers, the self-employed and individuals.

LePage has indicated he would leave the board seat vacant if McKane was not nominated.

 

 

 

 

 

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