Echoing the state and national figures, Lincoln County voters went to the polls in record numbers on Nov. 4.
In referendum questions, voters rejected the beverage tax that was intended to prop up Dirigo, 13,100 to 7715.
Voters also rejected the casino referendum that would have allowed a 10-year monopoly, 12,039 to 9428.
Voters also narrowly rejected a bond that would fund drinking water improvements, 10,933 to 9428.
Among election results, voters narrowly returned District 3 County Commissioner Sheridan Bond to his third term on the board. Bond survived the challenge by un-enrolled Damariscotta Selectman Joshua Pinkham, 3376 to 3081.
Voters also ensured the county board would retain a Republican majority electing Southport Republican Lynn Gilley Orne to the board, favoring her over Boothbay Democrat David A. Taylor, 3808 to 3518.
In House District 61, incumbent Democrat Bruce MacDonald turned back Republican challenger Hamilton Meserve, 2545 to 2011.
In House District 52, Elisabeth (Lisa) Miller survived a hard fought campaign to earn her third term, defeating Washington Republican John Stewart, 2275 to 1561.
Newcastle Republican and incumbent Rep. Jonathan McKane survived an enthusiastic challenge from Damariscotta Democrat Peter Drum who was making his first bid for office, 3183 to 2670.
In Senate District 20 race, voters favored Waldoboro Republican to succeed Republican Sen. Dana Dow, electing A. David Trahan to the Senate. Trahan topped veteran Democrat Rep. Peter Rines, 12,244 to 10,660. The race was nip and tuck until Waldoboro weighed in heavily in Trahan’s favor, 1947 to 760.
Dresden voters in Senate District 19 favored Richmond selectmen Seth Goodall over Republican incumbent Paula Benoit, 571 to 436, but Benoit however overall retained her seat.
In House District 50, incumbent Democrat Wendy Pieh handily defeated late Republican replacement Henry Simmons, 2742-2084.
In House District 53, Les Fossel finally earned a spot in the legislature in this third try, defeating Dresden Democrat Tim Nason, 2702 to 2452.
In national elections, Lincoln County voters favored Sen. Barack Obama to become the first African-American President, selecting the Chicago-based Democrat over veteran Arizona Sen. John McCain, 11,886 to 9287.
Among other candidates for President on the ballot, Ralph Nader topped Cynthia McKinney 307-87.
Voters endorsed incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins for a third term, favoring her over veteran Democrat Congressman Tom Allen, 13,691 to 7847, and elected Democrat Chellie Pingree to Congress over Republican contender Charlie Summers 11,177 to 10,127.
