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The Latest: Maine governor: I don't have 'mental issues'

State Rep. Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook) speaks to the media after meeting with Gov. Paul LePage Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in Augusta, Maine, where LePage apologized to Gattine for leaving a foul-mouthed voicemail message for him  last week. (AP Photo/Marina Villeneuve)
State Rep. Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook) speaks to the media after meeting with Gov. Paul LePage Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in Augusta, Maine, where LePage apologized to Gattine for leaving a foul-mouthed voicemail message for him last week. (AP Photo/Marina Villeneuve)

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Latest on fallout from GOP Gov. Paul LePage's obscenity-laced tirade against a Democratic legislator (all times local):

3:40 p.m.

The chairman of the Maine Republican Party says he doesn't deny that GOP Gov. Paul LePage has flaws, but he also believes the governor is a passionate fighter for the state's people.

GOP Chairman Rick Bennett said Wednesday that residents are "understandably outraged" by comments recently made by LePage.

Last week, the governor left an obscene message on the voicemail of a Democratic legislator and accused minorities of driving Maine's heroin crisis.

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Bennett says Maine residents have also "benefited greatly" from LePage's time as governor. LePage was elected in 2010. Bennett says LePage has demonstrated his commitment to the state by focusing on issues such as economic growth.

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11 a.m.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage is rejecting some lawmakers' assertions that he has addiction or mental health issues and is vowing that he won't resign.

Addressing a handful of reporters Wednesday, the Republican said he's not an alcoholic or drug addict and doesn't "have mental issues."

LePage says he plans to seek "spiritual guidance" in hopes of quieting a controversy he created when he left an obscene message on a Democratic lawmaker's voicemail and then said he wished he could challenge him to a duel and point a gun at him.

But he also blamed the media for fueling the controversy and said he won't be speaking to reporters anymore.

LePage apologized to the lawmaker earlier Wednesday. He said he was angry because state Rep. Drew Gattine called him a racist, something Gattine has denied.

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10:15 a.m.

Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage says he and his family will seek "spiritual guidance" after he created a controversy by leaving an obscene rant on a Democratic lawmaker's voicemail and said he'd like to point a gun between the lawmaker's eyes.

LePage met with the lawmaker Wednesday to apologize personally for his behavior last week.

Some legislators had called for the governor to seek help, and LePage responded Wednesday by saying he was seeking "spiritual guidance" in finding closure.

In a statement, his wife said the family recognizes "the grace and guidance from God can make us stronger in life."

LePage said he was angry because state Rep. Drew Gattine called him a racist, something Gattine has denied. LePage has said repeatedly blacks and Hispanics are responsible for fueling Maine's heroin epidemic.

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9:50 a.m.

Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage has met with a Democratic lawmaker to apologize for leaving an obscene rant on his voicemail and for making a comment about aiming a gun between his eyes.

Rep. Drew Gattine (gah-TEEN') said Wednesday that despite the apology he thinks LePage should no longer serve as governor.

LePage concluded his voicemail by saying "I am after you" and then told reporters he wished he could go back in time so he could challenge Gattine to a duel and point a gun "right between his eyes."

LePage said he was angry because Gattine called him a racist, something Gattine has denied.

LePage has stood by his comments that started the controversy. He has said repeatedly blacks and Hispanics are responsible for fueling Maine's heroin epidemic.

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