Maine Governor-elect Paul LePage is pledging to run his administration similar to one seen south of the northernmost state.
Mr. LePage told supporters on Wednesday that he would model his administration on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s.
Mr. LePage, who told President Barack Obama to “go to hell” during the campaign season, is scheduled to be sworn into office within the week.
“I’m going to be the Chris Christie of Maine,” Mr. LePage said. “My goals are to reverse the trend of increasing taxes, reduce the size and scope of government and bring common sense to Augusta.”
The Republican governor, who easily won the state’s election, was a key victory for the Tea Party movement.
The Waterville mayor defeated independent Eliot Cutler and three other candidates to become the first Republican to be elected governor since John McKernan won his second term in 1990.
Mr. Christie of New Jersey is facing criticism over his response to the recent snow storm. The New Jersey Republican has become a household name amongst Republican insiders in past months.
