State Senator Beth Edmonds

(AUGUSTA-December 6, 2006) - Senator Beth Edmonds, D-Cumberland County, was unanimously elected President of the Senate, making her the first woman in Maine to serve for a second consecutive term in that office. Her nomination was made by Senator Joseph Perry, D-Penobscot County, who said: "I know Beth Edmonds is the right leader for the next two years." Senator Peggy Rotundo, D-Androscoggin County seconded the nomination, saying: "In the 122nd Session, we were able to move major pieces of legislation forward because President Edmonds had the capacity to bring people together to listen and to fashion solutions that met everyone's needs."

Senator Carol Weston, R-Knox County, ceased nominations and moved that one ballot be cast for Senator Edmonds, saying: "With such a different House and Senate we owe it to the voters to rework the way we do business in Augusta." She concluded: "We have an opportunity not only to work together, but also to work together to that common goal to make Maine great again."

Senate President Edmonds focused on the themes of Optimism, Opportunity and Hope in her acceptance remarks to the Senate. Citing four recent reports that made recommendations for Maine's future she said: "We must be bold. We must take hold of the opportunity to streamline our government, modernize Maine's tax system, invest in education, and in our innovation economy."

Senator Edmonds also spoke to the strength of Senate Leadership. She said "Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell and Assistant Senate Majority Leader John Martin bring a wealth of Legislative knowledge and experience." Edmonds also emphasized a bipartisan note. She said: "My Republican colleagues, Senator Weston and Senator Rosen, and I have already met to begin the job of keeping the lines of communication open." Senator Edmonds concluded: "We also cannot much longer afford the luxury of division, as people from northern or southern Maine, Democrats, Republicans, natives and newcomers, urban and rural, conservatives and liberals. We must become One Maine. One Maine, Our Maine, Moving boldly in to the future!"

The 35 members of the 123rd Maine Senate were sworn in to office this morning by Governor John E. Baldacci. Democrats have retained the Majority. Of the 35 members, 18 are Democrats and 17 are Republicans, all serving a two year term.