10:55am State House, Augusta
This morning the Maine Senate took up the nomination of Heather Sanborn to be Maine’s next Public Advocate, and approved her by a four vote margin. One Republican crossed the aisle to support Sanborn and two Democrats voted against their leadership to oppose her nomination.
The Public Advocate represents Maine’s utility customers in any matter covered by the authority of the state’s Public Utilities Commission and is generally seen as the representative of the ratepayer, or utility customer. Appointed by Governor Janet Mills last month, Sanborn will now replace William Harwood in this role.
Assistant Minority Leader Matt Harrington (R-York) spoke against her nomination citing her vote as a legislator in favor of net energy billing, which he stated had led to increases for Maine ratepayers.
Senator Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) spoke in favor of the nomination on account of his past work in the legislature with Sanborn. Senator Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) also urged her fellow members to support the nominee on the basis of their longtime friendship and the fact that Sanborn had originally recruited Brenner to run for the State Senate.
The final vote to confirm Sanborn was 19 to 15 in favor. Senator Brad Farrin was excused from voting on the Confirmation due to absence. Rick Bennett crossed party lines to support the confirmation and Senators Nicole Grohoski (D-Hancock) and Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot) voted across party lines to oppose the confirmation.
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