AUGUSTA – House Democrats stuck with one of the horses that pulled them through this year’s election season Wednesday, nominating Portland Rep. Glenn Cummings as the next speaker of the House.

Cummings, the Democratic majority leader for the past two years, was unopposed for the position after two other contenders dropped out of the race.

Democrats chose Rep. Hannah Pingree of North Haven as majority leader, and Rep. Sean Faircloth of Bangor as assistant majority leader.

Cummings, along with Speaker John Richards of Brunswick, was largely credited with expanding Democratic numbers in the House from 74 members to 89, pending the outcome of recounts in several close races.

“Glenn has the experience, the temperament and the character to excel at this job,” said Rep. John Piotti of Unity in nominating Cummings.

“No one, with the possible exception of our current speaker, no one has worked harder to get Democrats elected than Glenn Cummings,” Piotti said.

Cummings proved to be an effective fundraiser for the House Democratic Campaign Committee and his personal political action committee. He helped to raise more than $388,000, much of it used to help the Maine Democratic Party and candidates for the House of Representatives.

In his acceptance speech, Cummings talked about his efforts to build a Democratic majority in the House.

“Two years ago, I promised that we would have a high quality constitute service program and that our incumbent protection program would be second to none,” Cummings said.

Besides reminding Democrats of the last session’s accomplishments, Cummings also laid out his hopes for the 123rd Legislature.

Priorities include tax reform, making college more accessible and affordable, addressing the state’s health care crisis and investing in research and development and infrastructure.

“We should not confuse, in this room, any no vote for (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights) as satisfaction with the status quo,” Cummings said after proposing a special committee on tax reform.

Cummings also described what he thinks it means to be a Democrat.

Talking about children growing up in disadvantaged households, he said it is the Democratic Party’s mission to provide them with the opportunity for a better life.

“These are the kids that with the right resources will become the next Margaret Chase Smith, George Mitchell or Edmund Muskie,” Cummings said. “It’s the Democratic Party that’s going to make sure they have that hope.”

In Maine, Cummings said, “The biggest waste is the waste of a human life.”

The speaker’s election will take place on Dec. 6, when House Democrats and Republicans meet to pass rules and elect constitutional officers, including the attorney general and secretary of state.

Because Democrats control the majority, their nominees are assured election.

Much of the drama in Wednesday’s Democratic leadership election came with the final race, when three representatives competed for assistant majority leader.

Rep. Nancy Smith of Monmouth made her second consecutive bid for the post, which is responsible for party discipline and counting votes among caucus members. Two years ago, she conceded to Rep. Robert Duplessie of Westbrook.

This time, it was a three-way race between Smith, Faircloth and Rep. Herbert Clark of Millinocket.

Clark was knocked out after the first ballot, leaving Smith and Faircloth. Faircloth prevailed on the second vote.

“I was very disappointed,” Smith said. “It’s the second time I’ve tried and come close.”

Smith said she hopes to return as House chairwoman of the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee and will focus on taxes and health care.

“Those were my priorities when I first came here and they are still my priorities,” Smith said.

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