How Low Can you Go?

We've come a long way from Speaker Joshua Tardy to Minority Leader Joshua Tardy.

With House Republican numbers hovering in the 50's, the last thing the Republicans in the House need right now is a spate of special elections. Unfortunately "a spate" has turned in to a steady flow of special elections. This November, Mainer's in five districts will have the chance to cast another vote for their representative in the Maine House.

District 99. Apparently you can't live in Massachusetts AND be a member of the Maine Legislature. I'm told that rule has been in effect since about 1820. Anyway, the democrats have nominated Kate Smith of Sebago - and wouldn't you know it-According to inside sources Kate doesn't live in the district either. Republicans have tapped Ralph Sarty of Denmark.. Electing a democrat in that part of Maine is like paying full price at Mardens. It's not going to happen. Prediction: Republican Hold.

Election Day update: Republican Hold

District 72. Representative William Walcott had to step down due to work commitments......well ,that and the fact that he stole all of his clean election money. All of it. You know, that raises an interesting question, if you can run in Lewiston as a democrat, not spend a penny on your campaign and win easily, couldn't we just eliminate the voters altogether? We'll save thought for another time. Back to the coronation, ahem, I mean race. The Republicans are sacrificing running David Hughes and the Democrats have selected Representative, well it really doesn't matter, does it? Prediction: Democrat Hold, forever.

Election Day Update: Democrat hold forever.

District 27. With the passing of Republican Earl Richardson this summer, Republicans in the house are left with another seat to fill. They have nominated Pete Johnson from Greenville. Word on the street is that Pete's a star and will hold that seat. Sharon Libby Jones, the perennial candidate from Greenville is the democratic candidate and just to make sure Republicans hold the seat, Julius L. Erdo of Guilford, the Democrat in the last race, is now running as an Independent. Let's just cut to the chase, people named Julius don't win in Piscataquis County, unless his nick name is Butchy or Junior. Prediction: Republican Hold.

Election Day Update: Republican hold.

District 83. This is the seat that was vacated after the deaths of Republican Abby Holman, followed by the death of the replacement candidate Deane Jones. Despite the fact that anyone elected to this seat is marked for death, both parties have found candidates. Republicans have nominated Clyde Dyar from Mt. Vernon. Democrats have nominated Pat Jones, the widow of the late Rep. Jones. Widows never lose special election. Prediction: Democrats Hold

Election Day Update: Widows never lose - democrat hold.

District 93. This is the best opportunity for a pick up for the Democrats. The district made up of Mexico, Dixfiled, Carthage, Canton and Peru has typically been a lock for the Democrats. Randy Hotham, a Republican with a fairly liberal voting record, resigned his seat due to work commitments. Republicans have tapped Katherine Harvey from Dixfield to defend the seat, while Democrats are running Sheryl Briggs of Mexico. Prediction: This race is a definite toss-up.

Election Day Update: Democrat Pick up.

The good news for House Republicans - with numbers this low, the bar is now laying on the ground and should be easy to reach.