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Political Brew: Running out the clock on Medicaid

A judge has ordered the LePage administration to adopt rules for Medicaid expansion by December 5th. But our NEWS CENTER Maine political analysts think it may not happen on Gov. Paul LePage's watch.

(NEWS CENTER Maine) -- A judge has ordered the LePage administration to adopt rules for Medicaid expansion by December 5th. But our NEWS CENTER Maine political analysts think it may not happen on Gov. Paul LePage's watch.

Former Republican state senator Phil Harriman says LePage has made it clear he is holding out for a sustainable funding plan from the legislature, but the court did not buy that reasoning for delaying the expansion. Harriman says because LePage is appealing the latest ruling "I suspect the clock will run out without him kicking the football."

Democrat John Richardson, a former Speaker of the House, says "It's sad that the governor will whimper out of office, basically opposing the will, not just of the people, but the courts. That's a sad legacy for the governor."

Our analysts also discuss President Trump's dismissal of U.S. intelligence that indicates the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince was behind the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Harriman and Richardson say there should be a place between cutting ties with Saudi Arabia and doing nothing to send a message.

Harriman says "For our country not to take action I think is a mistake."

And Richardson says "We have been a moral beacon for a long time. If we don't speak up and condemn this kind of murder of a member of the press, then we are no better than many rogue nations." He adds, "We could have suspended arms sales, we could have really rebuked the Saudi government... We should have, but unfortunately (Trump) put money ahead of what I consider freedoms that are more important issues."

They also say President Trump is wrong to attack the judiciary, as he did this week when he called a judge who blocked the administration ban on asylum for people who cross the border illegally "an Obama judge." Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked the president, saying our "independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for."

John Richardson says "The president he's dead wrong on this. The independent judiciary is so important to democracy, so important to this nation... and I don't blame Justice Roberts, a Republican nominee, for speaking up for the judiciary."

And Phil Harriman adds "I complement Judge Roberts for standing up for the judiciary system from the very top."

Political Brew airs Sundays on the Morning Report.

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