State Capital Notes …
The midterm elections brought New England two new governors. Rhode Island elected its first woman governor, Democrat Gina Raimondo. Massachusetts elected Republican Charlie Baker, a former Harvard Pilgrim CEO and official in the Weld and Cellucci administrations, including a time as secretary of administration and finance. The other four New England states reelected incumbent governors (though Vermont’s race is still unofficial). The rundown:
Connecticut voters re-elected Democratic incumbent Gov. Dannel Malloy and Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Nancy Wyman. Democrats maintained control of the Connecticut General Assembly. Ted Kennedy Jr., a Democrat, was elected to the Connecticut state Senate.
Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage won re-election for a second term. In the Maine Legislature, Democrats lost control of the Senate, but maintained the majority in the House. Republican Bruce Poliquin was elected to represent Maine’s 2nd congressional district, besting former state Sen. Emily Cain, a Democrat and NEBHE chair.
Massachusetts voters elected Baker and Republican Karyn Polito as lieutenant governor. Democrats maintained control of the House and Senate. In the 6th Congressional District voters elected Seth Moulton to fill the seat formerly held by another Democrat, John Tierney. Bay Staters also voted against repealing the casino law.
New Hampshire voters re-elected Democrats Gov. Maggie Hassan and U.S. Sen. Jean Shaheen. Republicans took back control of the Legislature with majorities in the House and the Senate. In the 1st Congressional District, former Congressman Frank Guinta beat Democrat Carol Shea-Porter.
Rhode Island voters elected former Democratic State Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Democrat Daniel McKee as lieutenant governor. In the Rhode Island General Assembly, Democrats kept control of the House and Senate.
Vermont’s governor’s race has yet to be decided. Neither Democratic incumbent Gov. Peter Shumlin nor his opponent , Republican Scott Milne, received 50% of the vote. Shumlin had 46.3% of the vote and Milne had 45.34%. Lawmakers will determine the outcome in January. Democrats maintain control of the House and Senate.
Carolyn Morwick handles government and community relations at NEBHE and is former director of the Caucus of New England State Legislatures.
Watch NEJHE for more complete 2014 elections coverage.
[ssba]