If the majority of Lincoln County voters have their way, Paul LePage will be the next governor of the Pine Tree State.
As they were across the state, polling places were busy across Lincoln County Nov. 2. Town clerks, ballot clerks and volunteers stayed up into the wee hours of the morning Nov. 3 tabulating results.
LePage made Lincoln County a frequent stop on the campaign trail and local voters repaid his efforts, giving him a near 600-vote advantage over his closest rival, Independent candidate Eliot Cutler, favoring LePage 7196-6598.
Official Democratic nominee Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell trailed with 3295 votes followed by Independents Shawn Moody (521) and Kevin Scott (121).
In the U.S. Congress, First District race, Lincoln County favored incumbent Democrat Chellie Pingree over Republican challenger Dean Scontras, 9442 – 8062.
District 20 voters returned Sen. A. David Trahan to a second term in the Senate with 10,903 votes. Trahan easily outpaced his challengers, Chris Johnson (D) with 6158 votes, and Southport independent Dan Schweitzer at 1788.
Trahan’s fellow Waldoboro Republican and former District 20 Senator Dana Dow will also return to Augusta, outpacing Waldoboro Democrat Mark Berger 2603-1345 to win the House District 50 seat.
In House District 51, Newcastle Republican Jon McKane (2905 votes) survived a tough challenge from Newcastle Democrat Mick Devin (1952) to win a fourth term in the House.
On the strength of a nearly 2-1 margin in her Chelsea hometown, Republican newcomer Deb Sanderson (2135) upset three-term incumbent Democrat Lisa Miller, (1760) (Somerville) to win the House District 52 seat.
Miller said she was sorry to lose her seat but gave all credit to her opponent. “I am incredibly disappointed,” she said. “I worked hard but it is clear Deb Sanderson worked harder. I give her a lot a credit. She is part of a large sea change in Maine, and they now have to shape the future, a very grim future. It’s going to be tough.”
Miller said she will take time off before considering reentering public life, “My family wants and needs a break,” Miller said. “It is all consuming.”
In other results, Republican Les Fossel (1934 votes) easily turned back the challenge of fellow Alna resident, Democrat Lee Roberts (896), to win a second term representing House District 53.
In District 61, Rep. Bruce MacDonald (D) was returned to the State House defeating Boothbay Selectman Frank “Linc” Sample, 2679-2013.
Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett appears to be the most popular among Lincoln County’s slate of unopposed candidates. Brackett (D-Nobleboro) was reelected to a third four-year term with 13,040 votes.
Long time Lincoln County District 2 Commissioner Bill Blodgett (D-Waldoboro) was reelected with 4086 votes.
Republicans Chester Fossett was re-elected Registrar of Probate, 12,935 votes; Lincoln County voters did their part to return District 6 Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau to office with 12,478 votes, Registrar of Deeds Rebecca Wotton was elected with 12,791 votes. First time candidate Rev. Rick Newell was elected Lincoln County Treasurer with 12,805 votes
Among the state ballot questions, voters rejected the construction of a casino in Oxford County, 8167-9365, rejected a bond to improve access to dental care in the state, 8244-8409, and overwhelmingly endorsed conserving land and working waterfront bond 10,602-6845.
