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MAINERS ELECT 96 STATE HOUSE DEMOCRATS (AUGUSTA, MAINE) - In a year with high enthusiasm and record level participation at the polls, as well as a time of great economic doubt and rising energy costs, voters overwhelmingly endorsed Democrats as the party they want leading in Augusta. With initial reports still being tallied from the 151 State Representative Districts across Maine, it appears 96 Democratic candidates have been elected to serve in the 124th Maine State Legislature. "Tuesday's overwhelming victories for Democrats in the State House show that in these uncertain times, Maine people put their trust in Democrats to lead, and that is something we don't take lightly," said Hannah Pingree, House Majority Leader and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. "Our victories are due to the hard work put in by our quality candidates, along with Mainers' belief in the Democratic Party to lead our country and state on the economic challenges we are facing today. We are ready to get to work," Pingree said. Democratic candidates stepped forward to run in all but 2 of the 151 State House districts. These candidates were supported by a strong network of local volunteers and a highly organized get-out-the-vote effort to ensure that Maine voters had their voice heard at the polls. "I am proud of every one of the 149 candidates who stepped forward to run for the State House as Democrats this year," said Glenn Cummings, Speaker of the House and Co-chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. "Because of their hard work, we were able to bring our positive message and vision for our state to all corners of Maine and voters responded to it. While not every candidate came out on top, their efforts are reflected in Tuesday's victories across the state." Based on Election Day's apparent winners, Maine's House of Representatives will be comprised of 96 Democrats, 54 Republicans and 1 unenrolled member. For the Democrats, this is a six-seat swing from the current make up of 90 Democrats, 59 Republicans and 2 unenrolled members.
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