MINNEAPOLIS -- Maine’s Republican National Committeewoman slot will change hands this week at the Republican National Convention.

Jan Staples was elected to the committeewoman post at the state convention last April. She previously served in the post from 1998 to 2004. Current committeewoman Karen Raye is stepping down.

Raye said the past four years have been a fun experience, and she’s met people from all over the country, but now she needs to focus on the family business – Raye’s Mustard in Eastport.

“Sometimes there’s a perception that we don’t all get along. That’s not true. The RNC appreciates that each state is different,” Raye said.

In her upcoming term, Staples said her focus will be on gaining seats in the Legislature, something she will accomplish by securing national party resources for voter outreach programs such as Victory 2008.

As a former executive committee member, “Hopefully I can quickly be in the position to advance the state of Maine, and build the party structure,” Staples said.

In a legislative race, she said, just a few votes can make a difference. It is unlikely that the Republicans can take the majority in the state House. In the state Senate, however, the Democrats hold the majority by just one vote.

Staples said she plans to stay involved in her town committee. “I believe the party is built from the local level up,” she said.

With more Republicans in the Legislature, the state can begin to pass more policies that make the state a more affordable place to live, Staples said.

Looking past November, the next big race will be the 2010 governor’s race. Staples predicts a crowded field on both sides with candidates from both the public and private sectors.

The national committeeman post has recently changed hands as well. Rick Bennett of Oxford took over for Peter Cianchette, who was appointed Ambassador to Costa Rica by President Bush.