AUGUSTA — As she stood in the back of the House chamber before the session started, new member Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle was greeted by the body’s longest-serving member, Rep. John Martin, as he passed by on the way to his seat.
It was one of many introductions to new colleagues for LaRochelle, an Augusta native and current city councilor, who won the House District 86 special election in November following the resignation of Rep. Justin Fecteau, a Republican, this past summer.
After dropping off her coat in a legislators-only locker room Wednesday, her work day started with House Democratic caucus meeting where she was introduce to some of her new colleagues.
LaRochelle will serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business.
LaRochelle said that before she left for the State House her family took pictures reminiscent of the first day of school style pictures.
State Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, opens the door Wednesday to start her first day as a state lawmaker as the 130th Legislature began its second session at the Maine State House in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Just inside the House chamber, Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, left, introduces himself Wednesday to Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, on her first legislative day at the Maine State House in Augusta. Martin, a former speaker of the House who was first elected to the Legislature back in 1964, has served more than 50 years in nonconsecutive House and Senate terms. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
State Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, chats with colleagues Wednesday during the House Democratic caucus on the first day of the 130th Legislature’s second session at the Maine State House in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Recently elected state Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, sits at her desk on the house floor Wednesday during the opening day of the 130th Legislature’s second session at the Maine State House in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
After being introduced Wednesday, newly elected Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, waves to clapping colleagues during a House Democratic party caucus meeting on the opening day of the 130th Legislature’s second session at the Maine State House in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Representatives clap Wednesday as chamber staffer Bob Lindstrom, left, escorts Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, to her seat at the Maine State House in Augusta. LaRochelle was elected in a special election in November. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
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