With votes still trickling in early today, Democratic and Republican leaders agreed the majority of political power in the Maine House and Senate will remain with the Democrats.
Most in question was the Senate, where Democrats have held a one-vote majority for the past two years.
That majority will grow, if anything, said Sen. Libby Mitchell (D-Augusta), who was the Democratic majority leader in the last session, at almost 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, though she said her party was preparing to call it a night with plans to resume the counting Wednesday.
“It’s looking very hopeful for our party,” Mitchell said. “We’ll have a solid majority of at least 18.”
At least two unexpected wins and victories in some close races helped the Democrats, Mitchell said.
If there was a message sent by voters, Mitchell said, it was delivered on the coattails of Barack Obama’s commanding victory in the presidential race.
“Voters are asking for collaboration and hope that everyone can work together,” said Mitchell. “It’s just been an overwhelming day.”
Sen. Carol Weston, the Republican minority leader in the last session, said she was pleased with a few “good victories” – particularly those by Chris Rector in District 22, David Trahan in District 20, and Gerald Davis in District 11 – but conceded that there just won’t be enough Republican wins to switch the power in the House when all the votes are counted.
“We’re still watching closely,” Weston said. “We’ll know the answer when all the votes are counted.”
(Statehouse News Service)
