The three candidates for the minority leader's post include Rep. Robert Nutting of Oakland, who was House speaker for the last two years, and Reps. Paul Davis of Sangerville and Ken Fredette of Newport.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Now back to minority status after two years in charge, the Maine House Republicans choosing their floor leaders for the new two-year session.

Three candidates have lined up for the minority leader's post. They include Rep. Robert Nutting of Oakland, who was House speaker for the last two years, and Reps. Paul Davis of Sangerville and Ken Fredette of Newport.

Three Republicans are in the race for assistant floor leader: Reps. Deborah Sanderson of Chelsea, Alex Willette of Mapleton, and Jeff Timberlake of Turner.

Democrats elected their House and Senate leaders Tuesday, prompting state Republican Chairman Charlie Webster to chide the majority party for not including a single woman on its legislative leadership team.

Democrats nominated Rep. Mark Eves of North Berwick to be speaker for the 2013-14 session.