AUGUSTA -- For the state's top two legislative leaders -- Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, and House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland -- the recently completed session marks the end of their legislative careers.

At least for two years.

Both are subject to the state's term limits law. And both have indicated an interest in running for some sort of higher office in the future, with no immediate commitments.

Here's part of what each had to say just before the Legislature adjourned for the year around 11 p.m. Friday:

Edmonds, who served four years as president, thanked many of the staffers throughout the Statehouse who work closely with lawmakers. She recapped what she considers to be accomplishments, and talked about serving as Senate president.

"I have been honored and privileged and occasionally frustrated as your Senate President," according to a full text of her remarks. "Mostly honored and privileged. Deeply so.

"I grew up in a small town of 500 people, so the Statehouse often feels like home -- we are like a small town. We see each other every day and work together in a very special way."

Over in the House, Cummings led a ceremony to recognize the 39 House members who cannot run again because of term limits or who have chosen not to seek reelection.

He also honored the memory of the three House members who died while in office in the last two years: Rep. Abigail Holman, R-Fayette; Rep. Deane Jones, D-Mount Vernon; and Rep. Earle Richardson, R-Greenville.

He thanked the House for working well together.

"This Legislature addressed a significant number of complex issues and we will be defined by our successes," he said. "In my years in the Legislature, I have never seen a body grapple with so many crucial issues -- and also to face them with such decorum, dedication and determination."

SAVAGE SPEECH

Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, a veteran member of the Transportation Committee, just completed her final term in the Legislature. At a bill signing on a measure to put more money toward bridge work, Gov. John Baldacci offered to give Savage a chance to make a few comments.

"I'm not known for speeches governor, I'm known for brevity," she said.

To which he replied, with a smile: "That's why I selected you."

IF&W FEES

Hunting, fishing and trapping license fees will not be going up after all.

Members of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee decided not to pursue the fees -- or the idea of creating a $20 card for so-called non-consumptive users. Instead, they voted to require money that's already earmarked for the department to be used in certain areas to help shore up the budget.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE

The House and Senate voted last week to urge Congress to give every American access to health care.

Rep. Jill Conover, D-Oakland, sponsored the resolution that will be sent to the Senate President, House Speaker, and to each member of the Maine delegation.

According to the resolution, 47 million people lack health care nationally, which includes 129,000 people in Maine.

"Lack of access to affordable, quality health care is affecting working families, businesses, and the economy, and is making it difficult for the U.S. to compete globally," Conover said in a floor speech.

MARRACHE TO SUMMIT

Sen. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, has been invited to attend the annual Young Political Leaders International Summit sponsored by the Institut Aspen France.

The institut is a non-partisan, international organization based in Lyon, France.

The summit, which is set for early May in Switzerland, is designed for leaders between the ages of 35-45, and only about 60 people are invited worldwide, according to the Senate Majority Office.

Marrache, a Waterville physician, has served six years in the House and just completed her second year in the Senate.

WINE AND TEENS

The bill to allow wine to be shipped directly to Maine consumers at home got farther than ever this year, receiving passing votes in both the House and Senate.

But it failed on a subsequent round of voting in the House. Officially, it's been "placed in the legislative files." That means it's dead, at least for this year.

Many of those who oppose the bill say they are worried that it will make it easier for teens to get access to alcohol. Rep. Pat Blanchette, D-Bangor, said the bill, which has been offered several times in recent years, should be buried "deep in the archives."

The House had quite a protracted debate on the issue, during which Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, talked about her experience raising teenagers.

"My job as a mom is to cut off access to alcohol from their friends," she said.

Later, in an interview, she said one of her sons is now of age, and the other is at the age where alcohol is interesting, but not legal for him to consume.

"They get alcohol from friends of friends," she said. "They don't get it through the mail. Teens are not going to plan a week ahead and order wine. They want instant gratification."

FILM BILL DIES, TOO

By a vote of 21-12, the Maine Senate last week shot down a request from two Portland filmmakers who want to have some of their costs reimbursed by the state.

Rusticator Pictures asked the state to approve up to $800,000 in reimbursements if they make a movie in western Maine. In the end, although the House approved the request, it didn't make it through the Senate.

The vote made for curious bedfellows. Of the 21 who voted "no," 11 are Democrats and 10 are Republicans.

LAST COLUMN

This is the last installment of Statehouse Notes for the year. The column will return when legislators come back to the Statehouse in January.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com