The November 2012 elections saw once again a significant change for the Maine Legislature and for me personally. Voters were confronted with several major decisions; a national election for President, a United States Senate race in Maine to replace our long serving and well respected senior Senator Olympia Snowe, a citizen’s ballot initiative to allow same sex marriage in Maine and in Maine’s second congressional district a rematch between Congressman Mike Michaud and his former first term challenger, and now Senate President Kevin Raye. The results of this election were important on many levels and the resources that poured into Maine changed the landscape of elections all up and down the ballot, unfortunately the tenor and at times the rancor of mant of these races will change forever the manner in which Maine citizens view their elections. Almost five times the money was expended on the same sex ballot initiative in Maine than in previous contest which had set one of the highest benchmarks for referendum spending before. A very large hole was left in Maine politics by Senator Snowes decision in February of 2012 to not seek re-election. The field of candidates changed rapidly in the first few days and resulted in primaries in both the Democratic and Republican fields. this made for a frantic and at times interesting primary season, which left candidates scrambling for support and voters a bit confused. The entry of former Governor Anugus King as an independent, with perosnal resources, good name recognition and a favorable rating in the lead position and able to remain above the fray in the primary. This was not how things would remain once the general election began in earnest. Too much was at stake nationally for both parties and a brutal and tumultuous campaign ensues with large advertising buys coming form many sectors and flooding our airwaves, mailboxes and papers with conflicting and harsh ads. Additionally the focus on legislative ads saw historic spending and organization efforts by unions, environmental groups and party organizations bent on controlling the Maine Legislature. In the Bangor area alone almost half a million dollars (over $450,000 by third party groups)was spent on the this race between Republican incumbent Nivchi Farnham and challenger Geoff Gratwick. In legislative races record amounts were spent against incumbents in various area from Scarborough, to mid coast Maine, to Northern Aroostook County. This intensity had some chilling effects on the process and resulted in voter fatigue and particularly a lack of enthusiasm for many of the candidates. Winners at times were more the survivors of the process rather than those who exhibited the best resume or qualities to serve.

As the dust settled late on November 6th it became clear that several momentous things had occurred:
Maine would join, Maryland, and Washington as the first states where citizens had approved same sex marriage,
Maine would join two New England states;Vermont and Connecticut as having independent U.S. senators
Control of both chambers of the Maine Legislature would be firmly back in Democratic hands.

The final numbers were a few days in confirming but, the Senate which had seen 19 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one independent, going into the election, now saw the reverse; 19 Democrats 15 Republicans, and one independent.

The House of Representatives changed dramatically as well going into the election it was: 77 Republicans, 72 Democrats and two independents (with two vacant seats due to resignations)
After November 6th; 89 Democrats, 58 Republicans and four independents.

On the Congressional side not much changed both Rep. Chellie Pingree and rep. Mike Michaud were returned to office with comfortable margins.

To say the least it was a ground shaking change and we are yet to see how these actions will affect our representation in Washington Dc or what the effects will be at the statehouse. For the first time in over 25 years Maine will see a Republican Governor and a Democratically controlled Legislature working with each other on policy matters.