Now that the election is finally over, Maine lawmakers will gather in partisan caucuses next week to pick their leaders for the two-year session.

Once the parties make their picks, there will be a full vote of the Legislature Dec. 3 for the top positions. Since the House and Senate are firmly in Democratic hands, their choices for Speaker and President will be confirmed on that day. (Unless there's a bloodless coup, which would be really exciting.)

Here's how things are shaping up:

•It appears Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Vassalboro will go unchallenged for Senate President and House Majority Leader Hannah PIngree, D-North Haven will go unchallenged for House Speaker.
If Mitchell is successful, it will be the third consecutive term the Senate has been ruled by a woman. Mitchell could serve as long as four years in the position if she runs and is re-elected in 2010.
Over in the House, Pingree would be the first woman Speaker since Mitchell held the position 1996-1998. Democrats have been grooming Pingree for the position since she was first elected in 2002.

•Back in the Senate, Sen. Phil Bartlett of Gorham hopes to be majority leader and Sen. Lisa Marrache of Waterville is running as assistant majority leader.

•It looks like there will be a battle for the top Democratic leadership spots in the House. I've heard at least three names for majority leader: Rep. John Piotti of Unity; Rep. Sharon Treat of Hallowell, and Rep. Gary Connor of Kennebunk.
For whip, I've heard four names: Rep. Seth Berry of Bowdoinham; Rep. Don Pilon of Saco; Rep. Cynthia Dill of Cape Elizabeth and Rep. Herb Clark of Millinocket.

•On the House Republican side, House Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport wants to continue to serve in leadership. Still waiting to see who surfaces to serve as assistant leader.

•And for Senate Republicans, the team of Senate Minority Leader Carol Weston of Montville and Assistant Leader Richard Rosen of Bucksport is planning to return to power.