President Bush may feel he can say he won’t eat his broccoli, but Maine’s senators and governor are blatant broccoli boosters.

In a major break with the White House, Gov. John R. McKernan publicly disagreed with Bush’s anti-broccoli statements.

Conceding that is was difficult to break with the president on such an important policy issue, the governor said he personally eats as much Maine broccoli as he can get and was at a complete loss to understand the president’s statements.

“I’ve been a longtime friend and supporter of the president’s and I had no idea of his feelings about broccoli.

“Obviously, I’m upset with his statements, but I am glad that this broccoli issue has finally come to a head,” he said.

The governor said the president’s dislike for broccoli obviously stemmed from the fact that the president had never tasted Maine-grown broccoli. Maine is the fifth largest broccoli-growing state in the United States.

“There’s no question that fresh Maine broccoli is the best tasting in the world. Come next August, I intend to see to it that the president gets a taste of fresh Maine broccoli when he comes to Kennebunkport. I know the president to be an open-minded individual, so I’m hopeful he will give Maine broccoli a fair taste before passing final judgment on this nutritious vegetable,” said McKernan.

Both Maine senators have rallied with McKernan in the broccoli battle, saying they like it and eat it often.

“I eat it three or four times a week,” said Sen. William S. Cohen. “In fact, I had some for lunch today. I like to put it on salads.”

Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell said, “I like broccoli and eat it regularly.”