Republicans are on a winning streak in southeastern Connecticut and that should have the attention of state party officials in 2016.

One seat that could well be in play next November is the 18th Senatorial District position now held by incumbent state Sen. Andrew Maynard of Stonington. Maynard, a Democrat, was re-elected a year ago despite suffering a serious brain injury that left him unable to campaign. Doubts continue about Maynard's ability to serve effectively, fueled by his avoidance of media interviews in which he could be pressed for details on policy and his legislative votes.

Maynard may choose not to seek re-election, his 10 years of service in the Senate having qualified him for health benefits from the state after he leaves office. Whether the seat becomes vacant or not, the Republicans will seek a strong candidate to contest for the 18th, which stretches from Groton and Stonington, north to Griswold and Plainfield.

One potential Republican candidate is former Groton Town mayor Heather Somers, who was the Republican Party's candidate for lieutenant governor a year ago. Somers was an engaging candidate, but the party's gubernatorial nominee, Tom Foley, did not use her effectively. She had proved her campaign and organizing ability in winning the Republican primary to run for lieutenant governor, but Foley didn't seem to notice.

When I talked to her last week, Somers expressed interest in the Senate seat, but indicated it might take some wooing.

"If the voters ... of the 18th were calling me to run. If there was a significant outcry for me to, 'Please run, Heather,' I would consider it," she said.

While sensitive to the situation -- "I wish Andy nothing but the best" -- Somers also said the district deserves a fully engaged state senator.

"We need to have representation that can speak to the press, that can answer questions, that will interact with community leaders. And I think that is important. We do need that," Somers said.

Soldily Democratic New London aside, the region could be fertile territory for Republican gains.

Recall that in the November 2014 election, Republicans picked up three legislative seats long held by Democrats. State Sen. Paul Formica, a popular Republican first selectman from East Lyme, won the 20th Senatorial District seat vacated when state Sen. Andrea Stillman decided not to seek re-election. In addition, Republicans ousted two local Democratic state representatives. Voters elected Rep. John Scott in the 40th District, serving Groton and Ledyard, and Rep. Aundré Bumgardner in the 41st District, serving Groton and New London.

This past Nov. 3 it was some key local positions shifting to the Republican column. Republicans retook control of the Groton Town Council, continuing the movement seen in Groton a year ago with the election of Scott and Bumgardner. In the traditional Democratic stronghold of Norwich, Republicans captured both the City Council and Board of Education.

Finally, in Stonington, Democrats lost their decade-long control of the Board of Selectmen, with former Republican congressman Rob Simmons returning to elected office by defeating incumbent George Crouse in the race for Stonington first selectman.

In recuperating from the Great Recession, this region has lagged behind the rest of the state in job recovery and economic growth. While local issues influenced some of the Nov. 3 results, the lingering economic problems, which make the property tax increases harder to stomach, also fueled anti-Democrat, anti-incumbent feelings among many southeastern Connecticut voters. Republicans certainly benefitted from the unpopularity of Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, struggling with an approval rating of 32 percent.

The Republican message of less spending, lower taxes and a pro-business approach is resonating in the region. If the state party is smart, it will build on that in the coming year, perhaps including some political courtship of its former candidate for lieutenant governor.

Paul Choiniere is the editorial page editor.

Twitter: @Paul_Choiniere

p.choiniere@theday.com