Brief sketches of the Democratic and Republican House floor leaders:

Democrats

Majority Leader Hannah Pingree of North Haven: in her third term; third woman to serve as majority leader in the chamber. Served on the Appropriations Committee as a freshman and co-chaired Health and Human Services last term. Daughter of former Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, who went on to head Common Cause. Attended North Haven schools, graduated from Brown University, and was a Fellow for Leadership in Public Affairs for the Coro Foundation in New York, a leadership training institute.

Assistant Majority Leader Sean Faircloth of Bangor: attorney; veteran of three House terms and one Senate term. Grew up in California, worked with troubled youths in Alaska. Ran unsuccessfully for Maine’s 2nd District House seat in 2002 and for U.S. Senate in 1996. Was legal counsel to the state Senate from 1988 to 1990, and assistant state attorney general from 1990 to 1992, specializing in child protective cases. Legislative priorities have included increased penalties for child sexual abuse, curbing childhood obesity and requiring deadbeat parents to pay child support debts.

Republicans

Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport: attorney; beginning his third House term. Served as assistant GOP leader during 2005-06 session. Son of former Democratic state Rep. Robert Tardy of Palmyra, who served during the 1980s. Received law degree from University of Maine School of Law. Previously served on Legislature’s Taxation Committee, and on Apportionment Commission that reconfigured House and Senate districts.

Assistant Minority Leader Robert Crosthwaite of Ellsworth: pastor, manages facility for people with developmental disabilities; beginning his third House term. Was ranking Republican on State and Local Government Committee last term. Emigrated from New Brunswick in 1975 and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. Former Ellsworth city councilor and mayor; has served as regional and national coordinator for Special Olympics. Degree from University of Moncton and advanced degrees from Freedom University, now called Coral Ridge Baptist College.