The Maine Republican Party lost early, often, and everywhere Tuesday despite predictions of nationwide backlash against an unpopular president and the Democrat Party.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage fell to incumbent Democrat Janet Mills, 42.9 to 55. Former Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin lost outright to incumbent Democrat Jared Golden (ME-CD2), 48.7 to 44.5, and Republican long shot Ed Thelander lost to Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-CD1), 62.6 to 37.4.
Republicans in Augusta suffered similar defeats, flipping a few seats but failing to retake either House. When the dust settles, Maine Democrats may even gain a seat in the Senate.
The implications of the election for Maine Republicans are stark. While results are still trickling in, the outcomes in most state legislative race — save for a few bright spots in Aroostook County — are nothing short of humiliating for Republicans, who had already begun quietly jockeying for leadership spots. Instead of leading a House Majority, Republicans are now reduced to passive observers in Augusta, where Mills and soon-to-be-decided Democratic leadership will be embolden to pursue an aggressive progressive agenda.
