There’s an old saying that “if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck.” The phrase has been historically used when identifying Communists, but it also applies to newly-elected Senator Angus King (I-ME)—who looks like, swims like, and quacks like a Democrat.
King is pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-entitlements, and pro-Obamacare. Like most Democrats, he supports the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Issues where he may differ from Democrats, such as gun control, generally represent his constituency’s positions. Remarkably, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) declined to endorse the Democratic nominee, Cynthia Dill, while conservative Super PAC Maine Freedom promoted her candidacy in the hope of splitting the liberal vote. To no one’s surprise, King announced that he will caucus with the Democrats. So why is he an independent?
King simply never needed a party nomination. After spending 18 years as a public broadcaster in Maine, he ran successfully for governor—Maine’s gubernatorial race regularly features independents—and remained popular throughout his tenure. When Olympia Snowe (R-ME) decided not to seek reelection, citing hyper-partisanship, King presented a viable third choice. Polling consistently showed King well ahead of the other candidates, and he cruised to victory.
Hopes of King reducing the partisan divide should probably be tempered. Snowe herself was arguably the least partisan member of the Senate, and King seems destined to vote similarly to Joe Lieberman (I-CT)—as an independent liberal who has no qualms about occasionally voting with Republicans.
Being an independent in Congress, nonetheless, offers advantages to the freshman Senator. Between being elected and sworn in, King was able to negotiate committee positions with Majority Leader Harry Reid. Though unable to win appointment to the prestigious Finance Committee, King was given spots on the Armed Services, Budget, Intelligence, and Rules Committees. Each corresponds well with King’s and Maine’s interests; rarely do freshmen Senators get such good assignments.
The looming threat of switching caucuses will give King an upper hand with his colleagues probably as far as he wants to push it. He has not ruled out siding with Republicans if they retake the Senate, so each side has an incentive to court his interests.
All together, King’s independence not only helped him get elected but gives him great freedom to act as he pleases. His campaign arose after his initial retirement from politics, so he may not be looking to pursue a long Senate career. He has no constraints on his votes beyond his own judgment.
King’s lasting contribution may be as a voice for reform of Senate operations. He enthusiastically speaks about what he wants to do through the Rules Committee, whether filibuster or campaign finance reform. Though he might not go down in Senate lore, King might be able to make Washington just a little more efficient than it used to be. Don’t get your hopes up, but it’s a start.
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