GOP faces uphill battle to take back Maine Legislature amid focus on national races
Republicans, frustrated by their lack of power in state government amid the coronavirus pandemic, are looking to reclaim control of the Maine Legislature after Democrats seized control of Augusta in 2018, but they face an uphill battle as other races have captured attention.
Democrats have long held an advantage in the Maine House of Representatives, with Republicans only controlling the lower chamber for two years in the past two decades. The Senate, where Democrats currently hold 21 seats while Republicans have 14, presents a more favorable map. Republicans held control of the upper chamber between 2014 and 2018.
With two months until Election Day, Republicans face financial and environmental disadvantages. Democratic groups have far more money than Republicans with more Democrats running uncontested. A Bangor Daily News poll last month found that Democrats had an 8-percentage point edge on Republicans on a generic legislative ballot.
The election has special significance for both parties. The party controlling the Maine Legislature in 2021 will have more power in redistricting, which will set legislative boundaries for the next decade. It comes amid a global pandemic that has shaken up campaigning and as Maine has received outsized national attention due to competitive federal contests.
https://bangordailynews.com/2020/09/03/politics/gop-faces-uphill-battle-to-take-back-maine-legislature-amid-focus-on-national-races/
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