AUGUSTA — Following a Monday letter signed by a group of 75 Maine lawmakers, including eight representing Midcoast towns, to Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck calling for Maine’s Capitol Police Chief, Russell Gauvin, to be placed on leave after he allegedly promoted conspiracy theories about the presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic, a new letter has been sent by a new group of lawmakers in support of Chief Gauvin. 

From the Midcoast, Representatives MaryAnne Kinney, R-Knox, and Sherman Hutchins, R-Penobscot, signed the letter, which was signed by 68 other state lawmakers from around the state. 

“As elected Representatives who have taken an oath to uphold the state and federal constitutions, we have serious concerns about the divisive partisan attacks on individual speech and the politicization of our safety,” the letter stated.

Gauvin made comments on Facebook and the social media platform Parler, allegedly mocking the use of face coverings as a method for controlling the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Bangor Daily News. 

He also allegedly expressed sympathy for a former Maine police officer who called for violence against Black Lives Matter protesters, the BDN reported. 

Regarding the recent presidential election, the BDN reported Gauvin allegedly noted he had “zero confidence” in the outcome of the election. 

The lawmakers hailed Chief Gauvin as doing an “admirable job” during his tenure as Capitol Police Chief. 

“He has behaved professionally and without favor toward the safety of every person working and visiting the Capitol,” the letter read. 

The letter also noted it is the belief of those signing the letter that usage of social media falls under the protections of the First Amendment, so long as the personal social usage is not conducted in a manner that could be construed as being the representative views of a state agency. 

“The Chief’s private opinions expressed through Facebook reactions and the sharing of articles and memes are his own and so long as he adheres to state use policies he should be free to express himself,” the letter stated.