More incumbent legislators announced recently they will not return to Augusta in 2015, which sets the stage for at least 60 new lawmakers when the new legislature convenes.
Turnover in House seats has ranged from 30-47% since 1994. Maine has one of the highest rates in the nation.
NFIB will be active in educating new and returning lawmakers on the factual role of small businesses in the Maine economy and the potential effects of key public policy issues.
Term limits forced 24 legislators (1 senator, 23 representatives) to step down. Another 24 (7 senators, 17 representatives) announced their retirement prior to the candidate filing deadline.
Most notable this year is the number of lawmakers who withdrew after the filing deadline. Sen. Ed Youngblood (R-Brewer) withdrew on Monday and joined 10 representatives (4 Democrats, 6 Republicans) who in recent weeks announced their withdrawal.
Nearly one-half (47%) the House Republican caucus and 26% of the Democrat caucus is not returning in 2015. In the Senate 21% of the Democrats and 33% of the Republicans are not returning.
Democrats hold 19 seats and Republicans 15 in the 35-member Senate. There is one independent.
Democrats hold 89 seats and Republicans 58 in the 151-member House. There are four independents.