Republicans in Maine are looking forward to beginning 2011 in a strong political position, while the people wait to see how they will put their newfound power to work.
Governor-elect Paul LePage will come into office with substantial GOP majorities in both houses of the Legislature. It’s a complete turnaround ”“ apparently just what many voters believed was needed.
Despite this political shift, it’s not likely that Maine has made a radical turn to the right. The state’s congressional representatives, Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud, won re-election despite facing the same kind of conservative rhetoric that helped elect LePage. And LePage’s victory was a narrow one, with just 38 percent of the vote.
Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach Democrats continued to enjoy support in this election, but they will find themselves a small minority at the State House. What kind of atmosphere and challenges they will face in the next two years is anybody’s guess.
As Governor-elect LePage surveys his opportunities for wholesale change in Maine, he’s going to have to pick his targets with care. The minority should be alert to its opportunities to protect programs and influence legislation.
In this lame duck interim, we can hope that an inclination for bipartisanship will continue to be a virtue in Maine politics. LePage was generous and gracious in his remarks Wednesday, commenting that Maine’s people have shared goals ”“ and that he would work across party lines to achieve those goals.
A primary goal, of course, is promoting economic growth, and we look forward to hearing new ideas about how to bring prosperity to Maine. And as Democrats have demonstrated in recent years, there is a bipartisan commitment to holding down taxes.
Disagreements are inevitable, of course. LePage has pledged to take the state in a new direction, but he has also promised to listen to the people. He may find that in some cases, change is not what they want.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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