Maine has had 151 members of its state House of Representatives for decades.  In fact, Maine has one of the largest legislatures in the country – ironic given how relatively low Maine’s population.

No more.  In a largely symbolic move to show the Maine voters that they are willing to tighten their belts in tough economic times (and I say symbolic because its only going to save about 1-2 million dollars), the Maine House voted today to reduce its size by 20 members.

The amendment was sponsored by Representative David Van Wie (D), who proposed it as a compromise, toned down version of a bill put forth by Representative Patrick Flood (R), that had recommended a 35 member reduction.

The bill, which proposes an amendment to the Maine Constitution, now goes to the Maine Senate where, if it passes, it will then go out to referendum.  If it is able to navigate through that legal labyrinth, the law would go into effect sometime around 2013 after new demographic data from the Federal Census is available.

The net effect of the change would be difficult to measure.  Clearly it would give each member of the House a slight uptick in influence, power and responsibility.  But what effect will it have on partisanship in the House?  Once lines are re-drawn, will it solidify further control by Democrats, or will it allow Republicans to perhaps make some kind of comeback.

Currently, this is all speculative and we simply do not know.

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