High-stakes elections for governor and congress were held in Maine this year as the COVID-19 pandemic once again looms over state politics. When lawmakers met the Legislature discussed a significant budget issue, and a subsequent energy referendum planned for later in the year. The four main themes to watch this year in Maine: Covid 19 Maine consistently broke records for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations throughout December last year; almost two years after the epidemic began. The pandemic endgame is still far off with the introduction of the omicron type, but politics have drastically changed in the past 12 months. More than 80% of eligible Mainers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite the fact that vaccines continue to significantly lower the risk of contracting the virus, more and more people are reporting breakthrough cases because of the more contagious delta form. Democratic governor Janet…
