John,

We knew it was only a matter of time: As the pressure rises, Sara Gideon is melting down.

While her campaign desperately have tried to to cover up her abysmal record in Augusta, including heating oil and gas tax hikes, gun grabbing, and covering up for a sexual predator accused of sexual misconduct with underage girls, the lies are beginning to unravel.

Just this week, after years of saying she was unaware about the Dillion Bates scandal in Augusta, she finally broke, admitting that she knew about the "rumors" but there was "nothing" to act on.

When asked by a Mainer on Maine Public Radio's Maine Calling program about Bates, Gideon lashed out at the question, and repeatedly said "there was nothing" to the allegations:

"There was nothing, until that Bollard article was actually published that said that individuals had come forward to that reporter. And before that, there was nothing but a rumor." -Speaker Sara Gideon

THERE WERE AT LEAST 9 SOMETHINGS THAT GIDEON CALLED "NOTHING"
  1. The all-girls school fired Dillon Bates
  2. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services was investigating Bates
  3. The Maine Department of Education was investigating Bates
  4. The local police department was investigating Bates
  5. The state’s 24-hour student abuse hotline was notified about Bates
  6. Bates acknowledged to school administrators the sexual text messages sent to a student
  7. The local theater banned Bates from attending plays
  8. There was a petition at the all-girls school to address Bates’ firing
  9. The Maine Girls' Academy closed, with some suspecting Bates' actions contributed

BUT THE BIGGEST SOMETHING: GIDEON ADMITTED SHE KNEW
10. a spokeswoman for Speaker Gideon, confirms the speaker has known about misconduct allegations against Bates for "several months." (WMTW)
Clearly, Gideon is not comfortable being asked about her failure to act (cover-up) of an alleged sexual predator in her caucus. But there remains a series of unanswered questions about what unfolded, and why she allowed for a predator to continue serving in her caucus. Watch the latest from the NRSC on the matter here.

Throughout her time in Maine politics, Sara Gideon has shown she will do anything in her power to stay in power. Even if it means covering for a sexual predator under her leadership.

This type of behavior has no place in Maine, and should not be rewarded with a United States Senate seat. As we speak, Gideon's D.C. allies are dumping millions in the race to cover up this story. Here is how you can fight back:

1) VOTE. Early voting is happening throughout Maine right now. Head down to your Town Hall or request your absentee ballot HERE.
2) Share this information with your family and friends by forwarding this email NOW.
3) Visit www.GuiltyGideon.com for more information on Shady Sara Gideon's record in Augusta.

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,

Jason Savage
Executive Director
Maine Republican Party