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Baldacci wins in Maine

Baldacci

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AUGUSTA, Maine (CNN) -- Rep. John Baldacci, a Democrat, defeated former state Rep. Peter Cianchette in the race for Maine's open governorship, CNN projected.

Baldacci led Cianchette heading into Election Day, with even internal GOP polls this summer giving the Democrat a nine-point advantage. Gov. Angus King, an Independent, was prevented from seeking a third consecutive term because of term limits.

Baldacci has served in the House since 1994, representing the state's sprawling 2nd District, a swing seat covering the area outside Portland's suburbs.

In 1992, Cianchette started his own business, Cianchette Enterprises, Inc., which owned and operated Initial Staffing Services, a successful employee staffing, recruiting and placement company. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1995.

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