AUGUSTA - Six candidates for the Maine Senate and nearly two dozen candidates for the Maine House of Representatives had already withdrawn as Monday's deadline closed in for party hopefuls planning to drop out in time to allow replacements to step forward.

Secretay of State Matthew Dunlap said the numbers were "not insubstantial, but also not uncommon."

As roster juggling for state Democrats, Republicans and Greens continues, party organizations have two weeks, until 5 p.m. on July 28, to select new candidates for vacated ballot slots.

In the current Legislature, which expires in December, Democrats hold 90 seats in the 151-member House, leaving Republicans with 59. There are two House independents. In the Senate, Democrats hold a 19-16 edge over Republicans due to a temporary GOP defection.