campaign and he then conceded that he had used firearms to hunt after his felony conviction, which would be illegal for a felon. Hunting license applications also ask the applicant if they have been convicted of a crime. The matter was being investigated by the Maine Warden Service, an investigation that the pardon may affect. The pardon generated controversy when it was revealed it was granted against the advice of Maine's clemency board. Further information is restricted due to state law making information related to pardons confidential. The Associated Press, through a public records request, learned that Pierce's pardon as well as a pardon for the grandson of LePage's late mentor were given without a public hearing and consultation with the clemency board. A former clemency board chair stated that in their 27 years on the board they never saw a governor grant a pardon without a public hearing. Approval ratings Despite his re-election, LePage was generally unpopular for most of his second term. In 2016, his approval ratings registered at 38%, making him one of ten state executives with higher disapproval (58%). LePage was consistently ranked as one of the most unpopular governors in the United States, and he left office with an approval split of 39–53%. Awards and honors In 2006, LePage was voted the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's businessman of the year. In 2007, he was named "Maine Business Champion" by the National Federation of Independent Business. LePage received an honorary doctorate from Thomas College in Waterville, at their graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2012, where he was the keynote speaker. On September 10, 2013, LePage received an award from the Maine Suicide Prevention Program to recognize his efforts to prevent and raise awareness about suicide. On May 13, 2019, LePage was given an honorary degree by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees to recognize his support of education in Maine, and specifically the university system. Personal life In 1971 LePage married Sharon Crabbe, whose family owned a lumber business in New Brunswick, where LePage worked as treasurer and general manager. After the wedding they resided in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Their two daughters were born in 1975 and 1976. Paul LePage and Sharon Crabbe divorced in 1980. Crabbe now resides in Fredericton along with her two daughters. LePage has two children with his second wife, Ann DeRosby, whom he married in 1984. Since 2002, his