[img_assist|nid=2680|title=Thomaston forum|desc=Rector and Miramant at a forum in Thomaston. Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=300]

THOMASTON -- Two state representatives are vying for Senate District 22, being vacated by Sen. Christine Savage (R-Union).

Rep. Christopher Rector (R-Thomaston) faces Rep. David Miramant (D-Camden). Rector is an art publisher serving his third term. Miramant is a pilot serving his first term.

In 2006 Savage won 8,845 to 7,995, having the strongest advantage in the towns of Warren, Hope and Union. In 2004 she won 11,642 to 9,408. Her biggest win came in 2004 when she got 58 percent of the vote, winning 9,134 to 6,514.

She was first elected in 2000, after Democrat Chellie Pingree was termed out. Savage won that year 10,236 to 8,909.

The district includes the following towns: Appleton, Camden, Cushing, Hops, Matinicus Isle Plantation, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, South Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven and Warren.

A forum Monday night revealed few differences between the candidates.

Their major split is over Dirigo, the state’s health insurance program.

Miramant said he supports universal, single payer health care. He said he has been to countries with these systems and has seen it work effectively. Dirigo, he said, is a stepping stone to universal health care.

Rector said he wants to allow for more competition in the private market for health insurance plans, by allowing Mainers to buy policies across state lines.

He said Dirigo has failed. Any universal health care plan would need to come from the federal level, he said.

As far as economic issues went the candidates had similar views.

Rector’s primary interest is protecting small businesses by investing in research and development, addressing the high health care costs and supporting education programs that help students be ready for the work force.

Miramant emphasized bring wind energy to the state, as both a means of addressing the energy crisis and bringing jobs to the state.

Both candidates agreed that the state’s tax structure needs reform. Miramant stressed fairness in the system, and putting more of the tax burden on those visiting the state. He also noted the differences between the state and federal estate tax, and suggested that as a reason people move out of state.

Rector said the state needs to figure out how to restructure the tax code so infrastructure is financed in a different way.

While Dirigo represented the only polar difference, there were a couple other slight differences.

On oil drilling, Miramant said that it will not improve oil prices and will only serve to benefit the oil companies. Instead, he said, government should focus on alternative energy sources.

While Rector also stressed alternative energy, he said that drilling should be left on the table.

Another difference came from a question about whether fathers should be allowed to hand lobster licenses down to their sons. Miramant said he didn’t see a problem with keeping lobster boats in the family.

Rector said there is a lot of debate about the current law, which doesn’t allow the transfer of licenses within families. He said there is no reason to tamper with the current law, but mentioned a program that allowed young people learning the trade to get a special license, which automatically converts into a professional license.