AUGUSTA — Leaders of the outgoing Legislature will launch an expanded orientation program for incoming lawmakers this week, but the real focus for State House power brokers remains on about a dozen races subject to recounts.

At least two recounts are expected in Senate contests. One reversal would bring the precarious balance of 17 Democrats, 17 Republicans and one independent toppling.

As many as 11 House races could also be reviewed. There too, changes from unofficial returns would have profound impact.

The incoming House now stands at 77-74 in the Democrats’ favor. The narrow divide has sparked speculation about crossover voting when the chamber is organized next month. There also has been talk about the potential effect of switches in party registration.

Jill Goldthwait of Bar Harbor, the lone independent among the senators-elect, pledged in an interview with the Bangor Daily News to maintain her unaffiliated status.

The first of the legislative recounts could begin by midweek.