Cross posted at Dirigo Blue
This past November, Republicans in Maine took control of both houses of the Maine Legislature, after many years of control by Democrats. As one would expect, the new leaders want to immediately put their stamp on things - there very first act was to eliminate the Joint Committee on Labor, which had existed for more than 120 years.
Other changes are afoot.
At the beginning of the 125th session of the Maine House of Representatives, leather-bound copies of New Testament were presented to each member for their taking. I am not sure as to why only the New Testament (and not the entire Bible) was proffered, but that is of little matter.
This practice has been tried in the recent past, but has been shut down by previous Speakers. I'm told that the distribution was not allowed in the Maine Senate (I have written to Senate President Kevin Raye to confirm this).
On Thursday, Reverend Roger E. Tracy of East Eddington Community Church led the House in prayer. Tracy was active in the Yes on 1 campaign against LD1020, the law that allowed same-sex couples to marry, and if his invocation is an indication of where the new leadership intends to lead the Legislature, we are in for some interesting times.