Maine Gov Backs Away From 'Gestapo' Radio Remark

PORTLAND, Maine -- Maine Gov. Paul LePage is backing away from a recent comment in which he referred to the Internal Revenue Service as "the new Gestapo."

The Republican governor made the remark in his weekend radio address, criticizing the Supreme Court ruling that upheld the federal health care law. He said it gives Americans no choice but to buy health insurance or "pay the new Gestapo _ the IRS."

But LePage said Monday his use of the word "clouded" his message, and he didn't intend to insult anyone

Derrek Shulman of the Anti-Defamation League says comparisons to the Nazi police force have no place in politics or anywhere else.

Since taking office last year, LePage has stirred outrage with remarks about labor unions, state government middle managers and the president, among others.