AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — House lawmakers Friday rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce the size of the Legislature.

Despite the endorsement of a majority of members on the State and Local Government Committee, the measure was defeated in the full House of Representatives by a vote of 72-55.

Debate in the House, which rejected another legislative downsizing initiative last month, was extended and pitted arguments for cost savings and efficiency against warnings of diluted democracy.

Currently, the Maine House has 151 members and the Senate membership numbers 35. The proposal taken up Friday would drop House membership by 19 to 132 and shrink Senate membership by two to 33.

Such “modest” changes, said Democratic Rep. Christopher Babbidge of Kennebunk, could save money, make redistricting easier and cheaper, send a message that lawmakers are committed to efficiency and head off efforts for more drastic reductions that might undermine the Legislature’s ability to continue to function as a part-time citizen-Legislature.