Maine governor to Rep. John Lewis: You need a history lesson


              FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 file photo Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage, right, and House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, attend the Electoral College vote at the State House in Augusta, Maine. The Republican governor on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, addressed Lewis' criticism that GOP President-elect Donald Trump is not a "legitimate president." LePage, who's white, said on WVOM-FM that the black Democratic Georgia congressman needs a lesson on how presidents freed the slaves and fought against Jim Crow laws. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 file photo Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage, right, and House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, attend the Electoral College vote at the State House in Augusta, Maine. The Republican governor on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, addressed Lewis' criticism that GOP President-elect Donald Trump is not a "legitimate president." LePage, who's white, said on WVOM-FM that the black Democratic Georgia congressman needs a lesson on how presidents freed the slaves and fought against Jim Crow laws. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Maine Gov. Paul LePage says U.S. Rep. John Lewis needs a history lesson and should be grateful for all that presidents have done for black people.

The Republican governor on Tuesday addressed Lewis' criticism that GOP President-elect Donald Trump is not a "legitimate president." LePage, who's white, said on WVOM-FM that the black Democratic Georgia congressman needs a lesson on how presidents freed the slaves and fought against Jim Crow laws.

LePage says, "A simple thank you should suffice."

Lewis was one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. He suffered a fractured skull while leading the march in Selma, Alabama.

LePage also had harsh words for a Maine congresswoman who, like Lewis, is skipping the inauguration. He says Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree should resign if she doesn't attend.

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