The Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund has launched a new TV ad and accompanying Web site targeting Paul LePage for his positions on a variety of environmental issues.

FactsonPaulLePage.org faults the Republican candidate for his statements on drilling for oil off the Maine coast, limiting wind power, supporting nuclear power plants, and proposing the elimination of a variety of environmental regulations.

According to an independent expenditure report filed with the Maine Ethics Commission, the PAC is putting almost $200,000 behind the ad, which hits the airwaves today.

The word choice in this ad is interesting, particularly the way the ad describes the candidate's policies as "reckless." This word could also, obviously, describe some of his personal behavior. Characterizing LePage in this way, whether intentional or not, serves to link his policy agenda with his political persona and creates a single, damaging narrative about the candidate.

The views expressed on this Web site are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Down East Enterprise or its employees.