Annapolis (Map, News) - Democrat Jim Rosapepe, a former state delegate, defeated incumbent John Giannetti 69 percent to 31 percent in District 21 Senate race, which covers parts of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. It was the second time Rosapepe beat Giannetti in an election. He won the Democratic primary in September by 19 points over Giannetti, who then switched his party affiliation to Republican so he could run in the general election.

Rosapepe, nominated by President Bill Clinton, served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1997 to 2001.

What issues will you focus on in Annapolis?

We have to get control of the electricity rates and we have to get control of tuition at the University of Maryland. Obviously we have big transportation challenges in the region. I am going to fight hard for funding for the Purple Line and to expand Route 1.

Will having a Democratic governor in January help your legislative agenda?

It will help to have Democratic governor and lieutenant governor, but more importantly, it will help to have Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown because they really share a lot of the same concerns as we have in my district. They are very concerned about returning the government to the side of the working people, and Anthony Browini is from Price George’s so he really knows the people in this area.

What message should be taken from the Democrats’ success on Election Night?

I think that voters around the state and the country said very clearly they want a government that is on their side. They are very concerned about the costs of health insurance and the schools and paying tuition, and those are the issues I campaigned on.”

When you were out campaigning, what did you hear from voters?

If you talk to enough people, patters and themes develop. The main thing I heard is that working families are really concerned about the outrageous electric rate increases, the rising cost of health insurance, transportation, improving their schools and keeping qualified teachers in the public schools. Clearly the theme that came across the most was that working families want a government that is on their side.

Now that the election is over, do you have time to relax?

I slept late [Wednesday] but I worked in the afternoon and will keep working hard for the people of the district.