AUGUSTA (AP) – A Democratic state representative from Biddeford is vacating her legislative seat because of job responsibilities, but Rep. Marie Laverriere-Boucher’s resignation will not affect her party’s control of the House.

Democrats have 79 seats and Republicans have 67. One seat is held by a Green and three by unenrolled members.

Democrats also control the Senate 18-17.

Laverriere-Boucher said she’s giving up her House seat because she couldn’t find a job that allows her time to take off to serve in the Legislature.

She teaches theology and is campus minister at Cheverus High School in Portland.

A special election must be held to fill the seat left vacant by Laverriere-Boucher, who has served for three years.

AP-ES-12-23-03 1037EST