Rowe takes post as top state lawyer Four sworn in by King in State House ceremony

AUGUSTA – Maine’s new attorney general, former House Speaker Steven Rowe of Portland, was sworn in by Gov. Angus King on Friday, along with the incumbent secretary of state, state treasurer and state auditor.

Setting out on new terms were Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky, State Treasurer Dale McCormick and Auditor Gail Chase.

All four – Rowe, Gwadosky, McCormick and Chase – are Democrats and former state lawmakers who were elected to their current posts by the Democrat-dominated Legislature.

“For me, the House chamber is an appropriate place for this ceremony,” Rowe said in prepared remarks before an audience made up largely of family and friends of the office holders and other public officials.

“Because I have enjoyed a wonderful eight years of public service in this chamber, I find it fitting that I begin my next office from this location,” Rowe said.

Rowe succeeds Andrew Ketterer, another former Democratic lawmaker, as attorney general. Rowe, chosen to serve as the state’s top lawyer for two years, declared his own candidacy for the office before Ketterer announced that he would not seek re-election.

“In my opinion, public service is the highest calling one can have,” Rowe said in his remarks. “I feel blessed to have this public service opportunity.”

Gwadosky, who like Rowe previously served as speaker of the House, also was unopposed in the December balloting.

McCormick, who formerly served in the Maine Senate, defeated David Bourne, a former state controller who was the Republicans’ nominee against her.

Chase, a former House member, defeated GOP nominee Richard Foote.

Gwadosky and McCormick are beginning their third two-year-terms; Chase is beginning a second four-year term.

McCormick and Chase are the first women to hold their respective posts.