Republicans Hope for Victory in Maine Senate

While most of the attention has been placed on the highly competitive race in Maine for governor, the state Democratic and Republican parties are as focused or even more focused on races that are not getting the attention statewide but that are seen as just as critical including those for the Maine Senate and House.

With fewer than three weeks remaining before the election on November 4, interest amongst voters has intensified up and down the state as candidates and their parties make final concerted efforts to increase their message to voters. Both parties are eyeing control of both the Blaine House and Statehouse.

In 2010, the Maine Senate and House were won by Republicans and Paul LePage the controversial Governor a Republican, took over the Blaine House.

In 2012, voters switched to the Democrats who took back control of both houses.

In the House, the Democrats own a strong advantage of 31 seats, which might be a tough uphill battle for the GOP. However, the Republicans are confident they can gain control of the State Senate this year, which currently the Democrats hold a 4-seat advantage.

A number of key Democrats such as Emily Cain a senator and Troy Jackson are not running for reelection.

The Democrats know that they have a tough road ahead of them in the state Senate, but are committed to working hard the last two weeks of the campaign in an attempt to keep control of the Senate.

The implications for leadership and committee assignment would be significant, said Democratic leaders in the state.

The Republican Party in Maine believes it can wrestle away control from the Democrats. A national newspaper listed the Maine Senate as one of five across the nation that could go from Democrat controlled to Republican.

A great deal of attention is being put on absentee voters and making sure as many of them respond and make votes, especially those that had registered as Republicans.

National polls have shown a slight swing nationwide toward Republican candidates, but Democrats are hoping for a turnout like one seen in presidential elections.