BOSTON (Reuters) - Embroiled in a racial controversy days after being sworn in as governor of Maine, Republican Paul LePage appeared to backtrack on Monday.

LePage attended a Martin Luther King Day breakfast in his home town of Waterville after earlier declining an invitation to an event in the capital of Bangor, and suggesting that critics “kiss my butt” if they disagreed.

Talking to a Maine NBC affiliate last week, LePage termed the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a special interest group, adding that “I’m not going to be held hostage by any special interest.”

The remarks created a storm for LePage, who became known for blunt talk during his election campaign -- at one point telling an audience that when he became governor they could expect to see newspaper headlines stating, “LePage Tells Obama To Go to Hell.”

In a statement, LePage said he has attended the event in Waterville, where he previously served as mayor, “for the past several years.”

“I am continuing that tradition this morning, joining members of the greater Waterville community in honoring the memory and work of Dr. King.”

Last week LePage signed a proclamation declaring Jan 17, 2011 “The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service” in the state. He was sworn into office on Jan 5.