by
Jessica Brophy
In an historic vote on Tuesday, November 6, Maine became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of the people, with 53 percent of the voters statewide favoring the measure. In Penobscot Bay Press’s 10-town coverage area, 62 percent of the vote was in favor.
Locally, a whopping 71 percent of registered voters cast ballots.
Former Maine Governor and Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate Angus King won handily with 53 percent of the statewide vote.
Locally, King fared the same, while Democrat Cynthia Dill took 16 percent and Republican Charlie Summers received 28 percent.
Statewide, President Barack Obama (D) took 57 percent of the vote and all four of Maine’s electoral college votes in winning reelection. Mike Michaud retained his seat as U.S. Representative for District 2 with a 16 percent-point margin, 58 to 42 percent.
Three of the four bond issues—conservation, transportation, and water systems—passed. The higher education bond was too close to call at press time.
Brian Langley (R) was narrowly reelected in Senate District 28 by 572 votes, 51 to 49 percent. Edward Youngblood (R) was elected to District 31. For Maine Representatives, Walter Kumiega (D) was reelected for District 36 and Ralph Chapman (D) for District 37.
See this week’s issue of The Weekly Packet, Castine Patriot and Island Ad-Vantages for complete local coverage.
