State Rep. Gary Connor (D-Kennebunk) is vying for the House majority leader slot next term.

Connor, who is finishing his first term, said he considers himself to be one of the more moderate members of the House.

Connor said that the struggles of being a first term lawmaker are fresh in his mind, so he said he will best be able to help those new to the House.

He said his business experience running a pharmaceutical research company will help him to find efficiencies in the process. For example, if constituents call legislators about a bill, sometimes the information isn’t readily available. Connor suggested a filing system accessible to lawmakers where legislation is sorted by committee.

Last year legislation often passed through the House only to reach a deadlock in the Senate. Connor said his negotiating skills he picked up in his business career will help him work through these deadlocks.

So far Connor is up against Reps. John Piotti (D-Unity), the chairman of the Taxation Committee, and Sharon Treat (D-Hallowell), a former Senate majority leader. Connor praised both of them, but said he will get votes from his colleagues in December because he brings fresh ideas to the table.