LEWISTON – Maine Democrats appeared to have swelled their numbers in the state House of Representatives while hanging on to a thin majority in the state Senate.

In the 35-member Senate, Democrats appear to have had a net loss of one seat. Before Tuesday, they held a 19-16 advantage over Republicans. Unofficial results Wednesday pointed to an 18-17 split, with at least one race likely headed to a recount.

In the 151-member House, Democrats gained substantially, building a solid majority after toiling with a plurality during the last session. Going into the election, there were 74 Democrats, 73 Republicans, one Green Independent and three unenrolled members. Unofficial results Wednesday showed Democrats in control of 89 seats and Republicans with 59, according to Speaker John Richardson, a Brunswick Democrat who was termed out of the House.

Two seats were held by unenrolled members and one race was still up in the air early Wednesday afternoon.

“When Democrats are in control, the middle class and the people who need services are in better hands,” Richardson said. “I think this is an endorsement of the last two years we’ve spent here. … Democrats have been rewarded for that and the record we put together.”

Democrats were able to knock off 11 Republican incumbents and the lone Green Independent in the House, while losing only two of their own incumbents. Those numbers could change, Richardson said, as ballots are recounted and more information becomes available in other races.

“Obviously, we had hoped for a better outcome in the election, but the voters have spoken and we will carry on from here,” said Newport Republican Josh Tardy, the House assistant minority leader. “If there is a silver lining, it is that the Democrats won many of the House races by campaigning on Republican ideas.”

Richardson pointed to a number of factors that lead to his party’s strong showing. Nationally, Republicans were under fire for the war in Iraq and misconduct in power, which helped drive a strong turnout among Democratic voters.

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which would have placed strict limits on government spending and taxation, also moved Mainers to the polls.

“TABOR was an issue that galvanized and energized the Democratic base,” Richardson said, arguing that it had backfired on some of its supporters who hoped it would draw Republicans to the polls.

He also said that the Republican incumbents paid a price for their voting records.

“If you look down the list of Republican incumbents who lost, most weren’t in step with their particular districts,” Richardson said.

Democratic state Rep. Glenn Cummings, likely the next speaker of the House, said that his priorities for the House in the next legislative session were threefold: tax and spending reform, making college more affordable and investing in the state’s infrastructure.

“I think the issues of prosperity and jobs reaches across party lines,” Cummings said. “This is an exciting opportunity for both parties to get things done in the state.”

Tardy sounded a similar theme.

“They said they were for lower property taxes, affordable health insurance, a strong energy plan and a better climate for business. That is our agenda, so we hope to have their help in achieving those goals,” he said. “Tax relief and a reduction in our tax burden remain primary objectives,” he said. “Our high taxes impede business development in Maine, depress job creation and make life difficult for our citizens

In the state Senate, Republicans appeared to pick up District 21, a seat left open by the retirement of Democrat Scott Cowger. Republican state Rep. Earle McCormick defeated West Gardiner Mayor Brian Rines. Republican Paula Benoit also knocked off Democrat Arthur Mayo in Sagadahoc County. Mayo, a former Republican who switched parties, was a prime target.

Democrats picked up the open York County seat of state Sen. Mary Andrews, where Democrat Peter Bowman defeated Republican Kenneth Lemont.

In Oxford County, Republican David Hastings appears to have held off a strong challenge from Democrat Marjorie Medd.

Republicans can also take comfort in state Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello’s successful defense of her seat against spirited challenger Ed Desgrosseilliers.

“We were able to retain at least 18 seats,” said Senate President Beth Edmonds, a Freeport Democrat. “Their success is a testament to the outstanding qualifications of our candidates, their hard work, and the tireless efforts of numerous volunteers.”

In the House, endangered Democratic state Rep. Janet Mills appears to have hung onto her Farmington-based seat despite being heavily targeted by Republicans, while Democrat Mark Samson protected an open seat in Auburn. Republican Mike Beaulieu defended the open seat of state Rep. Tom Shields in Auburn.

In Greene and Sabattus, Republican incumbent Scott Lansley defeated Democrat Kathryn Marie Grefer-Kirkland.

And, in District 91, Republican Nancy Bessey and Democrat Tim Carter remained only a few votes apart with Carter in front.

The state’s lone Green Independent, Portland’s John Eder, lost to Democrat Jon Hinck.

And Republican state Rep. Joan Bryant-Deschenes lost to Lawrence Sirois in Turner.

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