AUGUSTA

Along with calls for bipartisanship, Republican Gov. Paul LePage greeted newly elected lawmakers Wednesday with a sarcastic reference to a flap over Democratic-hired “paparazzi,” which recently ruffled political feathers in the State House.

“I want to thank the Democratic Party for providing me with my own paparazzi. The next two years should be interesting,” the governor said before administering the oath of office to House members to officially launch the 2013-14 session.

“I would like to make one slight objection. Next time you hire a paparazzi, would you give the job to a Mainer instead of a person from Massachusetts. Thank you,” LePage added, drawing laughs from the lawmakers.

But some were not amused by his session opening remarks.

“It was odd,” said Rep. Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth. “What a way to start.”

The cameraman flap developed when LePage said he wouldn’t meet with Democratic legislative leaders until video shoots at the governor’s public appearances, arranged by the Democratic Party, stop. Democrats say such recordings are commonplace in politics and are done by both parties.

Maine Democratic spokeswoman Lizzy Reinholt called LePage’s comments “backwards” and said, “We should be celebrating the fact that young people are coming to the state.”

But the talk mostly from legislative leaders was all about bipartisanship and cooperation as the day of ceremonial activities played out.

“As we transition from the campaign trail to governing, we must set aside the rhetoric, we must set aside partisanship. We must work together,” said newly elected House Speaker Mark Eves, DNorth Berwick. “The challenges we face are too big for one party to solve alone.”

In a gesture of bipartisanship, Eves’ nomination for speaker was seconded by the top Republican in the House, Minority Leader Ken Fredette of Newport.

“Today is a great opportunity for new and returning members of both parties to get to know one another and establish some trust and good faith,” Fredette said. “I am especially moved by the energy and optimism of the new members who are being sworn in today for the first time.”

LePage, in his remarks, even told lawmakers that “the difference in ideology shouldn’t separate us,” and he wished members of all both parties and independents “a good session.”

“As we move forward today, our job is to do the work of the Maine people, all 1.3 million. I pledge to do my best, with every ounce of my blood, to provide good governance for the people of Maine,” he said.

With the state facing severe budget shortfalls and other challenges, and the Legislature and governor in opposing parties, the ability of both sides to cooperate is considered more important than usual in the new session.

After two years of GOP control in the Legislature and Blaine House, the Democrats are back in control in the Senate, 19-15 with one independent, and 89-58 with four independents in the House.

The new majorities brought about expected victories by the Democratic candidates for three constitutional offices and state auditor.

For the constitutional offices, Matthew Dunlap of Old Town was elected secretary for state, Janet Mills of Farmington won in the race for attorney general, and Neria Douglass of Auburn was elected state treasurer. Each will serve two-year terms.

Dunlap, a former secretary of state, defeated former senator Debra Plowman of Hampden. Mills, who held the attorney general’s job previously, defeated the Republican incumbent, William Schneider. Douglass, who was forced from the auditor’s post by term limits, defeated the GOP-nominated incumbent Bruce Poliquin.

Pola Buckley of Hallowell had no challenger and was elected to a four-year term as state auditor.

The day of pomp and circumstance played out with the usual traditions. Republican Sen. Thomas Saviello brought a piece of firewood to carry on a long-held practice of a Franklin County senator ceremonially tending a State House fire while the rest of the Senate is being sworn in.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate thing to do than stoke the fire,” Saviello quipped.

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