Maine Lawmaker Accused of Strangling Wife Wins Reelection by One Vote – NBC 7 San Diego

A Republican lawmaker in Maine accused of strangling his wife last month won re-election by a single vote after a recount Thursday.

State Representative Lucas Lanigan surrendered days before the election after he was charged with domestic violence and aggravated assault, Maine NBC affiliate WCSH reported. Lanigan is accused of strangling his wife after she told him about the alleged affair, according to a police affidavit obtained by WCSH.

His race against Democratic challenger Patty Kidder for a state House seat representing part of Southern Maine initially ended in an apparent tie.

After a manual recount, the Secretary of State’s Office said Thursday that Lanigan received 2,478 votes to Kidder’s 2,477, putting him one vote ahead.

Lanigan did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment. He denies any wrongdoing in the criminal case.

Lanigan said on Facebook two days after the election that he was fighting these “ridiculous allegations.” “I have thick skin, but enough for my family,” he wrote.

Lanigan’s wife later asked to have the charges dropped, saying she didn’t think he intended to harm her. But prosecutors We continue to investigate the casestating that victims of domestic violence sometimes give up violence under pressure from their abusers, according to WCSH.

Prosecutors said she was taken to the hospital with bruises on both sides of her neck consistent with strangulation, according to WCSH.

Democrats immediately called for Lanigan to resign after he was prosecuted for the crime, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

“The actions described in the arrest warrant against State Representative Lucas Lanigan for aggravated domestic violence are incredibly disturbing and disqualifying to any elected official or person seeking public office,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake.

The top Republican in the state House of Representatives, Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, said that while he takes the issue seriously, he wants to let the legal system take its course.

‘Obviously these are very serious allegations’ – Falkingham told the Portland Press Herald. “I think that’s what led to the race being very close. But Rep. Lanigan has due process and everything will be resolved in court.”

Falkingham added that the recount shows that “every vote matters.”

Republicans made modest gains in the Maine Legislature in elections this year, but Democrats will retain control of both chambers. Five state House seats remain undecided pending a recount.

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