How Fared in the 2010 SPECIAL Midterm Elections POLICY BRIEF POLICY AND RESEARCH 11/15/10 45 Temple Place , MA 02111 Results are in and the people have spoken It’s over. Gone are the acrimonious debates, boisterous Coalition or Blue Dog Democrats—fiscal conservatives with Written by: crowds, vicious campaign attack ads, incessant robo calls centrist positions—lost its clout in the 2010 midterm elections. and campaign paraphernalia cluttering street corners, high- Less than half were re-elected. New England’s lone Blue Dog, Carolyn ways, lawns and sidewalks. The voters have spoken in New Congressman, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud of , was re- Morwick England and across the nation. elected surviving a challenge by Republican Jason Levesque. Carolyn Morwick is a consultant Nationally, Republicans swept races for governor, the state With current voting trends expected to continue into the next at NEBHE and former director of legislatures and the U.S. Congress. According to the National election cycle, the role of state legislatures in 2012, will be the Caucus of New England State Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Republicans now especially significant as states begin the process of redistrict-

Legislatures control the U.S. House of Representatives 240 to 186, where ing. The drawing of state legislative districts and congressio- they added more than 60 seats, with nine races still to be nal districts must include the latest census figures. The party Edited by: resolved. In the U.S. Senate, Democrats managed to hang on in power has everything to say about how these districts will by a margin of 53 to 46. The results of Alaska’s Senate race be drawn. John O. Harney are still to be determined. Executive Editor In the upcoming redistricting, is expected to New England Journal of NCSL also reported that Republicans added seats in state lose one congressional seat, reducing the number of seats Higher Education legislatures across the U.S., with the largest gains in the East, to nine. No other New England state is expected to lose any especially in New England. congressional seats.

Matthew A. Crellin Nationwide, Republicans picked up five additional gover- The loss of an additional congressional seat contributes to an Director of Policy and Research norships. NCSL reports that 32 states will be under new already gloomy outlook for the region, which had claimed key governors, including , Maine, Rhode Island leadership positions when Democrats were the party in power and . Four of the six New England governors are in Washington. Democrats. An Independent and a Republican round out the POLICY AND RESEARCH field. Maine, and Vermont will have new leg- For the past two budget cycles, governors and legislators NEBHE’s Department of Policy and Research serves islative leaders. have had to continue to make deep budget cuts but federal as a resource to education, stimulus funds provided some help in preserving jobs and government, and business Nationwide, voting trends played a huge role in the outcome. services. For FY 2012, with stimulus funds just about dried leaders throughout New Less than 21% of 18- to 29-year-olds showed up at the polls, up, state budget cuts promise to be severe. will England. It seeks to provide compared with 51% in 2008, when President continue to be a budget-buster in all states. Reducing health timely information and policy was elected. care costs will be a priority, as the Health Care Act or Obama research to inform decision- Care requires that states develop systems where consumers makers and the public about Also, Independent voters switched their leanings in the 2010 can purchase health care by 2014. Governors are expressing issues relating to higher elections, according to William A. Galston, senior fellow in concern that the technology required to design such systems education and workforce Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. In 2006, will be extremely costly and there will be no funds for such development throughout 57% of Independents voted for Democrats, while 39% voted expenses. New England. for Republicans. In the 2010 election, 55% of Independents chose Republicans, while 39% voted for Democrats. The Pew NCSL executive director William Pound expects higher educa- Research Center reports that “conservatives” as a share of tion to be on the chopping block, as well, despite rhetoric form total Independents rose from 29% in 2006 to 36% in 2010.” Democrats and Republicans that educational attainment is a key factor in restoring the American economy and making the Michael K. Thomas Gallup reported similar results, adding that moderates U.S. competitive in the global marketplace. President and CEO declined from 46% to 41% from 2006 to 2010. The Blue Dog About NEBHE:

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) promotes greater educational opportunities and services for the residents of New England. In pursuit of this mission, we work across the six New New England Highlights England states to: * Democrat Dan Malloy wins governor’s race in Connecticut defeating Republican Tom Foley * Engage and assist leaders * Democrat Richard Blumenthal will replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, also a Democrat. in the assessment, develop- * Connecticut Democratic U.S. House members prevail in hard-fought contests. ment, and implementation of * Maine elects Republican Paul LePage as governor sound education practices and * Republicans take control of Maine state Legislature policies of regional significance. * Massachusetts re-elects Gov. Deval Patrick and all members of the Bay State’s congressional delegation * Promote policies, programs, * Republicans pick up 15 seats in Massachusetts state Legislature and best practices to assist the * Ballot question to cut sales tax is rejected by Massachusetts voters states in implementing impor- * New Hampshire Republicans take back control of state Legislature tant regional higher education * Republican wins U.S. Senate race, while fellow Republicans Charlie Bass and Frank Guinta, former policies. * Promote regional coopera- mayor of Manchester, prevail in congressional races tion and programs that encour- * New Hampshire’s Democratic Gov. John Lynch is re-elected to unprecedented fourth term age the efficient use and shar- * Rhode Island elects , its first Independent governor in 156 years ing of educational resources. * Vermonters elect Democrat as governor * Provide leadership to * U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, wins easily strengthen the relationship * Vermont voters give 17-year-olds the right to vote. between higher education and the economic well-being of New State by State England. CONNECTICUT ELECTION VERMONT Policy & Research Staff: Connecticut elects Democratic governor, Matthew Crellin – Director of Policy RESULTS IN CT Democrat Peter Shumlin was elected governor in a close race keeps Democrats in DC, statehouse with Lt. Governor . Only 4,000 votes separated the and Research Governor two candidates. Vermont law states that if both candidates get In a striking similarity to Florida’s 2000 less than 50% of the vote, the legislature decides who will be presidential election results, Connecticut’s Dannell Malloy (D) 4 John O. Harney – Executive Editor, elected. Dubie has indicated he has no intention of pursuing a Secretary of State Susan Byciewicz found Thomas Foley (R) challenge. New England Journal of Higher herself in the hot seat, as Bridgeport’s Tom Marsh (I) Education votes became the focus of determining the Warren Mossler (I) At the congressional level, both U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy and outcome of the governor’s race. After the U.S. Rep. Peter Welch won re-election. final tallies of Bridgeport’s votes were made U.S. Senate Charles Desmond – Senior Fellow available on Friday, Nov. 5, Byciewicz’s Completing a decidedly Democratic victory at all level of gov- office declared Malloy the winner in the Richard Blumenthal (D) 4 ernment, the remains in the hands governor’s race. Linda McMahon (R) Carolyn Morwick – Policy of Democrats. The House gives Democrats a clear majority, 93 Democrats, 49 Republicans, five Progressives and three Consultant Attorney General Blumenthal will fill the U.S.U. S. House of Representa- Independents. Republicans picked up a seat in the Senate, but Senate seat vacated by Dodd. Blumenthal tives Democrats control the chamber 22 to 8. defeated Linda McMahon of World Wres- Darrell Aaron – Policy Research tling Entertainment who poured $50 million District 1 Vermont voters approved a ballot measure to give 17-year- Graduate Assistant of her own money into the race. In Con- John Larson (D) 4 olds the right to vote if they turn 18 by the time of the General necticut’s congressional races, John Larson Ann Brickley (R) Election. handily won his bid for re-election in the 1st Shoshana Akins – Communications district. Joe Courtney prevailed in the 2nd District 2 Assistant district, while Rosa DeLauro won in the 3rd Joe Courtney (D) 4 district. Connecticut’s 4th and 5th districts Janet Peckinpaugh (R) saw the closest races where first term Con- Christine Cassis – Communications gressman Jim Himes won a very close race District 3 Assistant against challenger state Sen. Dan Debicella Rosa DeLauro (D) 4 in the 4th district. Chris Murphy beat back Jerry Labriola (R) ELECTION a strong challenge from state Sen. Sam Ian Davis – Administrative Caligiuri in Connecticut’s 5th district. District 4 RESULTS IN VT Coordinator James Himes (D) 4 Governor Connecticut’s General Assembly remains Dan Debicella (R) U.S. House of under control of Democrats, though Repub- Representatives David Mabe – Policy Research Peter Shumlin (D) 4 licans made inroads. The House is poised District 5 Brian Dubie (R) Graduate Assistant to re-elect Chris Donovan as speaker, while Christopher Murphy (D)4 Peter Welch (D) 4 Don Williams has the support of his Demo- Sam Caligiuri (R) U.S. Senate Paul Beaudry (R) cratic colleagues to continue as Senate Courtney Wilk – Policy Research president. Former House Majority Leader Patrick Leahy (D) 4 Graduate Assistant Denise Merrill won her bid for secretary of Len Britton (R) state. MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND

Republican Paul LePage, the mayor of Waterville, New Hampshire followed a nationwide trend and For the first time in more than 150 years, Rhode Island edged out Independent Elliot Cutler to become Maine’s elected Republicans to the U.S. Congress and the state voters elected a governor who is not affiliated with first Republican governor since 1990. The Democrat, legislature. Gov. Lynch, a Democrat, was elected to an either the Democratic or Republican party. Independent former Senate President Libby Mitchell, came in third. unprecedented fourth two-year term. Chafee edged out Republican John Robitaille 36% to 34%. with Democrat Frank Caprio placing third at 23%. In the state’s two congressional districts, Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes lost his bid for President Obama did not endorse Caprio in what many , won re-election in the 1st district and Michaud in the the U.S. Senate to state Attorney General Ayotte, who saw as showing deference to Chafee who supported 2nd district. Democrats did not fare as well in the state had the backing of New Hampshire Republicans as well Obama for president. Legislature where Republicans now have 77-to-74 edge as Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. Republican Guinta in the House and a 20-to-14 edge in the Senate, with beat incumbent Carol Shea-Porter in New Hampshire’s In Rhode Island’s congressional races, U.S. Rep. one recount possible. This is the first time since the 1st district, while former Congressman Bass edged out James Langevin won re-election in Rhode Island’s 2nd 1970s that Republicans have controlled both branches. Democrat Ann Kuster in the 2nd district. district, while Democratic Mayor of Providence, David appears to have the support of his col- Cicilline was elected in the 1st district, replacing Patrick leagues to lead the Senate. Four Republicans are vying Republicans swept elections in the state legislature, Kennedy, who did not seek re-election. for speaker of the House, including Stacey Fitts, Paul which is the largest legislative body in the David, Patrick Flood and Robert Nutting. Emily Cain has with 424 members. It now appears that Republicans will Rhode Island’s General Assembly remains in the hands expressed interest in the ’s post. Cain control the House by a margin of 300 to 100. In June of Democrats. Current Speaker is expected chaired the Appropriations Committee. Seth Berry is 2010, Democrats outnumbered Republicans 224 to 176. to keep his post, while Senate President Teresa Paiva also interested in this position. Republicans will caucus The also went to Republicans Weed appears to be the choice of her colleagues for the on Nov. 12 to elect their leaders; Democrats have tenta- who now outnumber Democrats, 19 to 5. Democrats next legislative session. tively scheduled a caucus for Nov. 18. held a majority of 14 to 10 for the past four years.

Maine voters approved a $5 million bond issue to increase access to dental care in Maine by a margin of 52% to 48%.

ELECTION RESULTS IN ME ELECTION RESULTS IN NH ELECTION RESULTS IN RI

Governor Governor Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) 4 Paul LePage (R) 4 John Lynch (D) 4 John Robitaille (R) Elliot Cutler (I) John Stephen (R) Frank Caprio (D) Libby Mitchell (D) Ken Block (Moderate Party) U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Kelly Ayotte (R) 4 District 1 Paul Hodes (D) District 1 Chellie Pingree (D) 4 David Cicilline (D) 4 Dean Scontras (R) U.S. House of Representatives John Loughlin (R) Gregory Raposa (I) District 2 District 1 Michael Michaud (D) 4 Frank Guinta (R) 4 District 2 Jason Levesque (R) Carol Shea Porter (D) James Langevin (D) 4 Mark Zaccaria (R) District 2 Charlie Bass (R) 4 Ann Kuster (D)

MASSACHUSETTS ELECTION RESULTS IN MA Massachusetts voters re-elected Gov. Patrick who Governor District 5 prevailed over Republican Charles Baker and Indepen- (D) 4 dent Tim Cahill. Massachusetts Democrats turned out in Deval Patrick (D) 4 Jon Golnik (R), large numbers to mitigate the effects of the Charles Baker (R) Dale Brown (I) election and re-elected Democrats at every level. Patrick Tim Cahill (I) Bob Clark (I) had 48% of the vote, Baker 42% and Cahill 8%. Jill Stein (Green Party) District 6 All members of the Massachusetts congressional dele- U.S. House of Representatives John Tierney (D) 4 gation running for re-election won handily. Retiring Con- Bill Hudak (R) gressman ’s seat stayed in the Democratic District 1 column, going to District Attorney William Keating, who (D) 4 District 7 prevailed in a close election defeating Republican state Bill Gunn (R) Edward Markey (D) 4 Rep. Jeff Perry. who faced his toughest Michael Engel (I) Gerry Dembrowski (R) re-election to date, won 54% to Sean Bielat’s 43%. District 2 District 8 Republicans did pick up 17 seats in the State House, (D) 4 Michael Capuano (D) 4 the party’s largest gain in decades. There were no Tom Wesley (R) Republican gains in the Senate. The leadership in District 9 the House and Senate is not expected to change with District 3 Stephen Lynch (D) 4 Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Jim McGovern (D) 4 Vernon Harrison (R) Robert DeLeo. Marty Lamb (R) Phil Dunkelbarger (I)

Voters rejected Question 3 on the ballot, which would District 4 District 10 have reduced the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%. Voters Barney Frank (D) 4 William Keating (D) 4 also approved removing the sales tax on alcoholic Sean Bielat (R) Jeff Perry (R) beverages, which by state law is already subject to an Maryanne Lewis (I) excise tax. Revenue from the sales tax, however, had Jim Sheets (I) been allocated to support substance abuse and preven- Joe VanNes (Bring Home the Troops) tion programs.