The 2006 Election Wrap-Up
On November 7, 2006 the citizens of Maine and the entire United States cast their votes. The people of Maine had a gubernatorial race, a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs and both districts had a had an election for their representative in the House. In addition to this there were two statewide referendums. Also, each town had to vote on their State Senators and Representatives as well as municipal officials. These are the results of the major races in our part state as well as a look at the shift in power in the U.S. Congress.
Governor – John Baldacci (D)
John Baldacci was re-elected for a second term as governor of Maine. He had stiff competition but pulled ahead when the polls closed. His biggest challenger was Republican Chandler Woodcock. Woodcock ran his campaign with an intention of promoting a better business climate, but his conservative views may have been his downfall because of Maine’s democratic leanings. The Green Party candidate Patricia LaMarche was a vibrant individual and ran a solid campaign, but did not have the support of being from a major party. Phillip Morris Napier was a radical independent that ended up with a very small percentage of the vote but was able to get his unique views out to the people of Maine. Lastly, independent Barbara Merrill had big plans for tax reform but couldn’t persuade enough people. Governor Baldacci did a great deal for Maine during his last term but believes there is much more to be done. With four years ahead of him, he should be able to send Maine in the right direction.
U.S. Senate- Olympia Snow (R)
Olympia Snow has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate for many years and is continuing her tradition with another 6-year term. Her reputation as a moderate Republican has earned her the votes of her party as well as votes from people who know and trust her political positions. Both Democratic candidate Jean Hay Bright and Independent Bill Slavick protested her stance on the War in Iraq. In the Senate, she voted initially for military action and has since supported funding for the war. More and more Americans have become fed up with the situations overseas, but this did not sway the Maine voters enough. Besides a movement to bring American troops, Mrs. Hay Bright had plans for instating a universal healthcare system in the U.S. and creating alternative forms of energy. She had some big ideas but not a lot of facts behind them, which may have hurt her cause. Mr. Slavick’s platform did not extend much further than a desire to end the war, but admitted to lacking the money and experience to win anyway.
U.S. House of Representatives- Tom Allen (D)
The other major race in Southern Maine was for the position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Democrat Tom Allen was re-elected to represent Maine’s First District in Washington. Maine has two representatives in the House, and Democrat Mike Michaud was re-elected to represent the Second District. The districts are roughly divided by northern and southern Maine, the First being the southern region and the one in which South Portland is. Republican Darlene Curley, as well as the independent Dexter Kamilewicz, contested Mr. Allen. Mrs. Curley was a fairly moderate Republican with strong family values but could not topple Allen’s experience and purely democratic views. The three candidates also had varying views on the war. Mrs. Curley wanted to end the war but not until we achieved victory. Mr. Kamilewicz whose son was a veteran had strong feelings of immediate withdrawal from Iraq, whatever the consequences. Mr. Allen found the middle ground and supports a plan in which Americans negotiate a departure date in 2007 to give the Iraq people time to adapt. Mr. Allen’s educated views and experience gave him the edge in this race.
The Shift in Power
On a national scale, this election signified a remarkable change in the attitudes of many Americans. Since 1994, the majority party of both the House and Senate has been the Republicans. This year, shifts in power across many traditionally conservative states have led to a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress. In the House of Representatives, which consists of 435 members, the Democrats gained 29 members giving them a lead of 229 to 196. Ten races are currently undecided but these will not sway the overall majority. The Senate, which has only 100 members, has only narrowly changed majority with close races all across the nation. The final blow was when Virginian Senator Republican George Allen conceded to Democrat Jim Allen. The majority shift wasn’t the only change made either. Donald Rumsfeld resigned as the Secretary of Defense. President Bush is beginning to hear many American citizens who are appalled with the War in Iraq. The hearts and minds of the American people are changing as the war drags on with no evident progress or end in sight. Aside from the war, a democratic majority in Congress will promote legislation that can help the American people. Simple laws like a raising of the minimum wage pave the way for drastic changes in tax reform and health care. These mid-term elections marked the beginning of a new era in American politics. Whatever actions these men and women take, our country will be moving forward. Hopefully they can end the loss of American and Iraqi lives, and maybe make the world a slightly better place.