House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport, told those gathered at the Republican State Convention this morning that although his party lost seats in the Maine House two years ago, they could win control this time around.

How?

Because control of the House was “determined by 1,358 votes” in 2006. That’s just nine per district, he said.

Democrats currently hold 90 seats in the House, with Republicans at 59.

If Republicans pull it off, it would be the first time in 36 years Republicans controlled the Maine House of Representatives.

House candidates each took a moment at the podium at the convention to introduce themselves, including former Senate Minority Leader Paul Davis, R-Sangerville. He’s running for the House this time around.

“When I served in the state Senate, the Democrats called me “Sen. No,” he said. “They haven’t seen anything yet.”

Coming up this afternoon, Congressional candidates John Frary and Dean Scontras will speak, along with Ruth Summers, who will give a speech on behalf of her husband Charlie Summers. Charlie Summers, who’s been serving in Iraq, is expected to be on the campaign trail later this month.

After that, the convention-goers will consider the platform, meet for county caucuses and gather this evening to hear a speech by former presidential candidate Mitt Romney.