Maine Democrats urge LePage to bag combative tone during State
of the State address  AUGUSTA — Democratic lawmakers on Monday
launched a volley of pre-emptive rhetoric against Gov. Paul
LePage, urging the governor to shelve his combative tone during
his State of the State address.  The news conference was unusual
given that the minority party typically waits until after the
State of State to respond to an address that often contains new
policy initiatives. The timing of the media event was questioned
by Republicans, who wondered if the event was designed to
provoke a reaction from LePage when he addresses the Legislature
on Tuesday evening.  Regardless, the political sparring that
took place Monday reflected a partisan tone that hangs over the
current legislative session and one that is certain to amplify
as an important election approaches.  Democrats are expected to
run against LePage during an election that could shift the
balance of power in the Legislature. That left some Republicans
wondering why Democr