[...] this year, the 73-year-old Democrat from Eagle Lake, who served an unprecedented 10 terms as House speaker, is among dozens of former lawmakers who have been ousted from the Legislature by defeat or term limits and are vying to return. "There are so many things that we can do to improve the conditions for Maine people, and many of them went by the wayside the last two years," said Martin, adding that he's eager to represent his community in the House for a few more years and then find a qualified Democrat to replace him. While the battles for Maine governor and Congress will make the most noise over the airwaves this fall, the local legislative contests that decide which party controls the state House and Senate can have just as large an impact on the direction of Maine. "For John Martin to come to Augusta and say that he wants to repeal the term limit law that was enacted precisely because of his abuse of power is shockingly out of touch and arrogant," said David Sorensen, spokesman for the Maine Republican Party. Sherman, who's running for the House seat that covers several towns in Aroostook County, said it can be difficult to persuade young people to run for the Legislature because they're starting a family and a career.