AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate lost one of its moderate Republican voices Monday with the death of Joel Abromson of Portland. The 63-year-old legislator was being treated for liver cancer at the time of his death, according to Senate President Richard Bennett, R-Norway.

Gov. Angus King ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset Wednesday out of respect for Abromson, who was in his fourth Senate term.

For the immediate future, Abromson’s death changes the balance of power in the Senate, which had been composed of 17 Republicans, 17 Democrats and one independent.

Despite the 17-16 advantage by Democrats, however, there will be no change in the Senate leadership positions. Joint rules agreed to by Democrats and Republicans maintain the current power-sharing arrangement whether the tie in the Senate is affected by death, resignation or party conversion. Sen. Michael Michaud, D-East Millinocket, held the Senate presidency last year and Bennett was sworn in to succeed him last month.

King will set a date for a special election to fill the seat. Kay Rand, the governor’s chief of staff, said the administration is hopeful the election can be held within the next few months, but she added it was conceivable it may not be held until after the 120th Legislature adjourns in April.

“Absentee ballots have to be made available. There are also voting considerations for those who are serving their country in Afghanistan and elsewhere,” she said. “These things sometimes take time.”

Abromson’s District 27 seat, which includes Falmouth, Long Island and part of Portland, could be claimed by a Republican, Democrat, Green Independent or unenrolled candidate. The winner of the special election would be eligible to seek re-election in November in a district perceived to be largely Democratic.

Abromson’s fierce desire to represent his constituents sometimes meant taking a stand against his own caucus. Possessed with a nimble wit, a deep sense of compassion and a wry sense of humor, he found a clever way to explain his socially liberal, but fiscally conservative, policies to his colleagues.

“He used to say, ‘My heart is on the left and my wallet is on the right,'” said Bennett.

Abromson was recalled by Senate Republicans as a legislator who voted consistently against the abridgment of a woman’s reproductive rights, led the fight to ensure that prostate cancer screening was covered by insurance, and proposed legislation creating a day that highlights the necessity for organ donation. He also supported reductions in income, sales and property taxes and voted to eliminate the snack tax.

Perhaps most important, he was the prime sponsor of the legislation to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, a measure that passed in the Legislature in 1997, but was overturned a year later by a people’s veto. Abromson came back with a similar bill in 1999 that contained a referendum provision. The voters turned down the question in 2000.

“In the 25 years we have been seeking such legislation, the anti-discrimination bills introduced by Joel Abromson were the only ones ever to be passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor,” said Rick Galena of the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance.

Bennett recalled Abromson as a tireless worker for his constituents, responding to between 50 and 100 letters a week. Abromson’s last day in the State House was in December, when he voted to confirm Leigh Saufley as chief justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

“He continuously sought to use his office to improve the lives of ordinary people in Portland, Falmouth and across the state,” Bennett said.

King said he was saddened by the death of Abromson, whom he described as a kind and caring man who took his role as a senator and the duty that the public entrusted to him very seriously.

“He was willing to take stands on contentious issues that might be unpopular, but were always well-reasoned and sincere,” King said. “In addition to our professional relationship, I came to know Joel as a friend and someone whose opinions and thoughts I valued.”

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican who lives in Abromson’s district, said he “leaves a remarkable and distinguished legacy both in business and in the Legislature.”

Maine’s other U.S. senator, Republican Susan Collins, called Abromson “a man of principle, integrity and courage.”

U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, a Democrat, said Abromson “was respected and appreciated by constituents and other elected officials, regardless of their political beliefs or partisan affiliations.”

State House Republican leaders Joe Bruno of Raymond and William Schneider of Durham described Abromson as one of Maine’s finest public servants, who “fought hard” for his beliefs.

“Joel served the interests of his constituents and the state with distinction and class,” both men said in a prepared statement.

Bennett said Monday that he and the GOP Senate caucus were not yet ready to discuss what might be done about Abromson’s vacancy on the Legislature’s Banking and Insurance Committee, where he served for nearly eight years. It was possible, he said, that an interim appointment might be made.

Although Democrats now have a 17-16 advantage over the GOP, Bennett said the principles of last year’s unified Senate, which rarely assumed partisan positions on key issues, would remain in force.

“I don’t really see a great change in the way that the Senate is going to be working,” he said. “The Senate has really grown to be more of a family, if you will. The loss of one of our members who was so well regarded all across the political spectrum will just remind us of what’s really important in life and put things in perspective for our future deliberations.”

Abromson is survived by his wife, Linda, three children and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for Abromson at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Temple Beth El at 400 Deering Ave. in Portland.