Former LePage spokesman opens new consulting firm

The former communications director for Maine Governor Paul LePage, Dan Demeritt, has announced the opening of a new political consulting firm, Winning Initiatives.

The move is considered a bold one in political circles after Demeritt stepped down as the governor's spokesman last April amid revelations of his personal financial problems. However, Demeritt was considered instrumental in getting LePage's career back on track after a series of controversial statements almost cost him his seat, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The 39-year-old Demeritt told the news agency that his new company will focus on grassroots initiatives and that he would like to see the re-election of a number of Republican lawmakers. He said that he has maintained a good relationship with the political party.

Demeritt is a graduate of Colby College and a small business owner. He was the former political director for Susan Collins during her 1996 U.S. Senate run. He later worked for as a legislative aide for Collins and then as a communications director for the GOP in the Maine House of Representatives.

According to the news source, Winning Initiatives currently has one undisclosed client.