Legislative Republicans Issue Statement Regarding the Election of Constitutional Officers
STATE HOUSE?? On Wednesday, elections were held by the 131st Legislature for the constitutional offices of State Treasurer, Secretary of State and the Attorney General. In a departure from years of past practice, Legislative Republicans chose not to submit nominations for the offices that are elected by a simple majority vote during the Legislature?s first Joint Convention of the Session.
?We chose not to nominate anyone this year because, for some time now, Republicans have felt these choices should be made by the people. We?re the only state in the nation where the Legislature selects these very important positions,? said Senate Republican Leader Sen. Trey Stewart, R-Aroostook. ?What we would like to do instead is work to put those positions back into the hands of the people where they firmly belong. Let Maine voters decide who should keep Maine?s government transparent and enforce our laws ? that should be the people?s power.?
?According to Republicans, these positions should be the most nonpartisan and independent of all since they have responsibilities that transcend any political party in direct service to the people. Too often, the party in power in the Legislature has an undue influence in the positions when voters should decide instead.
?Maine should do what the rest of the country does ? have our Constitutional Officers directly elected by the people, not party insiders,? said House Republican Leader Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor. ?Maine has a long tradition of electing independent leaders that are beholden to Maine voters. House Republicans will propose making this important change to our laws to take power away from politicians and give it to Maine citizens.?
Senator Trey Stewart, R-Aroostook, is the Senate Republican Leader and is serving his third term in the Maine Senate representing the constituents of District 2. He has served as the Senate Republican Lead for the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee and the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
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Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, who was recently elected Maine House Republican Leader, is a commercial lobster fisherman. In the past, he has been an outspoken representative of Maine?s lobster fishing families. His efforts include bringing together 151 Republican, Democratic and Independent state legislators from across Maine in support of Maine?s lobster fishing industry.
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