AUGUSTA, Maine - The chairman of the Maine Democratic Party says he's stepping down.
Ben Grant said Thursday that he won't be seeking re-election. His announcement comes days after Democrat suffered big defeats in the midterm elections.
Democrat Mike Michaud lost to incumbent Republican Paul LePage in a heated three-way race for governor. Democrats were also defeated in the race for the 2nd Congressional District seat, which is currently held by Michaud, lost control of the state Senate and overturned several seats in the state House to Republicans.
Grant, who has led the party for four years, said he was planning to leave his post regardless of the outcome of the election and made the announcement now so that those who want to run to succeed him have enough time to do so.