Independent Angus King Projected to Win Maine Senate Race

Angus King, running as an independent candidate in Maine, has been projected by MSNBC as the winner of that state’s Senate race. If the results hold up, he will replace retiring Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican.

As an independent, King can caucus with either the Democrats or the Republicans. While it’s expected he’ll join the Senate Democrats, it’s not a sure bet that he will. Regardless, King could be a key factor in which party controls the Senate.

The Associated Press via The Huffington Post:

While it’s commonly accepted that Angus King, a former Democrat who supports President Barack Obama, would align with Democrats, he has refused to say. That’s generated suspense and, in theory, could translate to power for King if the Senate ends up close to a 50/50 split. If one party wins a decisive majority, King could find himself with less leverage than he hoped.

…So what happens if it turns out that King is the deciding vote?

“I’ll see what’s going on when I get down there and what’s best for Maine and the country,” he said when asked about his party affiliation during a campaign stop last month in Bath, Maine.

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