AUGUST – The Democratic-majority Legislature elected its slate of candidates for four prominent state offices Wednesday, brushing aside the Republican nominees for secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general and auditor.

The successful candidates – all former Democratic legislators – will fill three open offices while Steven Rowe, a former House speaker from Portland, returns for a third two-year term as attorney general.

Rowe defeated William Schneider, a former deputy GOP House leader from Durham who is now anti-terrorism coordinator in the U.S. attorney’s office in Portland.

Also elected were Matthew Dunlap of Old Town as secretary of state, David Lemoine of Old Orchard Beach as treasurer and Neria Douglass of Auburn as auditor.

Maine’s constitutional offices – attorney general, treasurer and secretary of state – are limited to four consecutive two-year terms. Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky and Treasurer Dale McCormick reached their eight-year limits and were forced to leave office.

Also facing term limits was Auditor Gail Chase, who served the full two four-year terms.

Lawmakers meeting in a joint House-Senate convention that was delayed by a voting snafu early in the process gave Dunlap a majority of votes over GOP challenger David Emery, a former Maine congressman who owns a public opinion research consulting firm.

In nominating Dunlap, Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, praised his parliamentary skills and expertise on diverse issues ranging from wolves and all-terrain vehicles to taxes and redistricting. “Matt became the go-to guy for folks on both sides of the aisle on so many issues,” said Mills.

Her brother, Sen. Peter Mills, R-Cornville, spoke in favor of Emery’s nomination to head the $33 million department, citing his experience in Washington as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and record of accomplishments in Maine.

The secretary of state’s office oversees Maine motor vehicle records and licensing, corporate filings and elections.

In the treasurer’s race, Lemoine defeated former state Sen. Norman Ferguson Jr. of Hanover, whose father served as state treasurer three decades ago.

Lemoine, a lawyer who served three terms in the House, will bring legal expertise to Treasury, which manages the state’s revenue deposits and trusts, invests the state’s cash pool and issues bonds for capital projects.

Douglass, who lost a Nov. 2 election for a fourth Senate term, defeated Richard Foote of Cumberland, the deputy state auditor.

An attorney, Douglass has pledged to earn a certification in auditing. In nominating her, House Majority Leader Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, praised Douglass’ ability to grasp the complexities of state budgeting and Maine’s school funding formula while co-chairing the Education Committee.

Rep. Terrence McKenney, R-Cumberland, said Foote is a certified public accountant with a masters degree in accounting, and “is ready to step into the job right now.”

Another strength is that Foote brings no political bias into the job, said McKenney. He said Foote is unenrolled “and his politics are not visible.”