Republicans refuse to participate in poll to reconvene Legislature, special session rejected

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - After months of calling for the Maine Legislature to reconvene, a majority of Republican lawmakers rejected the idea Thursday because they want to limit business to coronavirus-related legislation.

The proposal from Senate President Troy Jackson and House Speaker Sara Gideon to bring lawmakers back for a special session in Augusta is off the table for now.

The Maine Legislature requires a majority of members from both parties to agree to a special session.

Most of the Republicans did not participate in a poll on the matter. 109 Democrats voted yes. One Republican voted yes and two voted no. There were 67 no responses from Republicans.

Gideon and Jackson blasted Republicans for demanding a special session, then denying one.

Republicans contend it’s reasonable to have an agreement on the scope of work before returning to session in a pandemic.