CAMDEN, Maine — A Maine Republican lawmaker accused of strangling his wife last month was re-elected by one vote Thursday after a recount.
State Rep. Lucas Lanigan turned himself in just days before the election after being charged with domestic violence aggravated assault, Maine NBC affiliate WCSH reported. According to a police affidavit obtained by WCSH, Lanigan is accused of strangling his wife after confronting her about an alleged affair.
Her race against Democratic challenger Patty Kidder for state Representative, who represents parts of southern Maine, initially ended in a clear tie.
After a recount in hand, the secretary of state said Thursday that Lanigan had 2,478 votes to Kidder’s 2,477, giving him a one-vote lead.
Lanigan did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment. He has denied any wrongdoing in the criminal case.
On Facebook, two days after the election, Lanigan said she was fighting the “ridiculous accusations.” “I have a thick skin, but it’s enough for my family,” he wrote.
Lanigan’s wife later thinking that he did not intend to hurt her, he asked for the charges to be dropped. But prosecutors continues the workAccording to WCSH, victims of domestic violence sometimes back down under pressure from their abusers.
He was taken to the hospital with bruises on both sides of his neck consistent with strangulation, according to WCSH.
Democrats called for Lanigan’s immediate resignation after he was convicted of the crime, which carries up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
“The actions described in the domestic violence arrest warrant for state Rep. Lucas Lanigan are incredibly disturbing and disqualifying for any elected official or public office seeker,” Maine Democratic Party Chairwoman Bev Uhlenhake said in a statement.
Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, the top Republican in the state House of Representatives, said while he is taking the issue seriously, he wants to let the legal system take its course.
“They are very serious charges,” Folkingham said This was reported by the Portland Press Herald. “I think it made for a very close race. But Rep. Lanigan has due process and all of this will be resolved in court.”
Folkingham added that the recount shows that “every vote counts”.
Republicans made small gains in the Maine state legislature in this year’s elections, but Democrats will retain control of both chambers. 5 seats in the State House have not yet been decided, recalculations are expected.