In the weeks before the election, PolitickerME.com will take a brief look at all the state House and Senate races and let you know where they stand.

These ratings are based off 2006 results, the candidates’ histories, and conversations with those close to the process.

PolitickerME.com has the following lists available.

• Aroostook County
• Piscataquis County
• Somerset County
• Hancock County
• Washington County
• Penobscot County
• Kennebec County
• Waldo County
• Knox County
• Lincoln County

The rest, including a full analysis of state Senate races, are in the works.

KNOX COUNTY

H.D. 46 – Likely Democrat: Incumbent David Miramant (D-Camden) is leaving to run for the Senate, and Helen Shaw (R-Rockport) and Joan Welsh (D-Rockport) are both vying to take his seat. Miramant won his first term in 2006 in an upset victory over the former Republican incumbent. However, all sources point to a Democratic victory this year.

H.D. 47 – Safe Democrat: As one source put it, incumbent Ed Mazurek (D-Rockland) “has coached everyone.” A former football coach, Mazurek is a staple in the community. He won by more than 1,000 votes in 2006, and we expect a similar margin this year in his race against Steven Dyer (R-Rockland). Build Maine PAC has spent $611.66 on Mazurek’s behalf.

H.D. 48 – Leans Democrat: Incumbent Christopher Rector (R-Thomaston) is leaving the seat to run for the Senate against Miramant, and Robert Carlson, Jr. (R-Owls Head) faces Charles Kruger (D-Thomaston) for the open slot. This is a Republican seat in right, and has been flagged as a priority seat for both parties. While both candidates are small business owners, Kruger is better known in the community through his work in the arts. Expect a close race, but this may prove to be a key pick up for the Democrats, evidenced by the fact that the party has spent $900 on Kruger’s behalf.

H.D. 49 – Likely Republican: Incumbent Wesley Richardson (R-Warren) faces Robert Baker (D-Cushing). In 2006, Richardson won his second term by less than 100 votes. He emerges as the stronger candidate in this race, however, and all signs point to him holding the seat, although not by a huge margin.