Maine

State Senators:

Susan Collins (R)

Term Start: January 3, 1997

Full Name: Susan Margaret Collins
Date of Birth: December 7, 1952
Birthplace: Caribou, Maine, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Susan Collins was born and raised in Caribou, Maine. She comes from a family with a long history of public service; her parents both served as mayor of Caribou, and her father served in both houses of the Maine Legislature. Collins attended Caribou High School and graduated as the president of her class. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from St. Lawrence University in 1975, where she was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

Personal Life: Susan Collins is married to Thomas Daffron, a former chief operating officer of Jefferson Consulting Group, a lobbying and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. The couple resides in Bangor, Maine. Collins is known for her dedication to public service and her efforts to maintain a bipartisan approach in an increasingly polarized political climate.

Early Career: After graduating from college, Collins began her career working for then-U.S. Representative and later Senator William Cohen. She served as a staff member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Collins then worked for the state of Massachusetts in the cabinet of Governor John R. McKernan Jr. She returned to Maine in 1992 to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Political Career:

1994 Gubernatorial Run: In 1994, Collins ran for governor of Maine. Although she did not win, her campaign established her as a significant figure in Maine politics and led to her role as the founding director of the Center for Family Business at Husson College in Bangor, Maine.
U.S. Senate: In 1996, Collins ran for and won the U.S. Senate seat vacated by William Cohen. She has been re-elected five times since then, most recently in 2020. Collins is known for her moderate and bipartisan approach to politics. She is one of the few remaining centrist Republicans in the Senate and often plays a key role in bridging partisan divides. Collins is one of the most senior Republican women in the Senate.

Committees:

Committee on Appropriations (Ranking)
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Select Committee on Intelligence

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Known for her pivotal vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2017, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan approach to healthcare reform. Supports measures to lower prescription drug costs and improve rural healthcare access.
Economy: Advocates for small businesses, often supporting tax relief and regulatory reform to encourage economic growth. Played a key role in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defense: Supports robust national defense and has consistently voted for the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) to ensure military readiness and national security.
Social Issues: Holds moderate views on social issues. Advocates for women’s rights, including the right to choose, and has supported measures to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Known for her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which sparked significant attention and debate.
Environment: Has a mixed record on environmental issues, supporting renewable energy development but often voting against more stringent environmental regulations.

Senator Collins is recognized for her moderate and independent stance on many issues, often playing a crucial role in key legislative decisions. Her commitment to bipartisan solutions and her focus on healthcare, economic growth, and national defense have defined her long tenure in the U.S. Senate. Collins’ influence extends to various important committees, where she advocates for the interests of her constituents in Maine.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.

Voting patterns

Senator Collins has a voting record that often reflects her moderate and bipartisan approach to legislation.

Key Voting Patterns:

Economic and Fiscal Policies: Senator Susan Collins generally supports fiscally conservative policies but also shows a willingness to cross-party lines on critical votes. She has voted for measures that aim to balance fiscal responsibility with economic growth. For instance, Collins supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered corporate tax rates and provided individual tax relief. She has also voted for various appropriations bills, such as the Continuing Appropriations Act, to prevent government shutdowns and ensure the continuous operation of federal agencies.
Healthcare: Collins is known for her pivotal role in healthcare legislation. She famously voted against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2017, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan approach to healthcare reform. Her voting record reflects support for measures that aim to lower prescription drug costs and improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Defense and National Security: Collins consistently supports strong national defense policies. She has voted for the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA), which fund and set policies for the Department of Defense. Collins supports measures to enhance military readiness and ensure national security, reflecting her commitment to maintaining a robust defense.
Environment: Collins has a mixed record on environmental issues. She supports renewable energy initiatives but often votes against more stringent environmental regulations. Her lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters is 55%, indicating a balance between supporting environmental protection and promoting economic growth through energy independence.
Social Issues: Collins is known for her moderate stance on social issues, often voting independently of her party. She supports women’s rights, including the right to choose, and has voted to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Her decision to vote for the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, however, was controversial and highlighted her complex position on judicial matters.
Judiciary: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Collins has played a significant role in judicial appointments. She has supported the confirmation of several conservative judges and justices but has also shown a willingness to oppose her party when she believes it is in the best interest of her constituents and the country.

Senator Susan Collins’s voting record showcases her as a moderate Republican willing to cross party lines on key issues, often working with members of both parties to craft legislation. She is known for voting against her party more frequently than many of her Republican colleagues, demonstrating her willingness to prioritize her constituents’ needs over party loyalty.. Her focus on fiscal responsibility, healthcare access, national defense, and a balanced approach to environmental and social issues makes her one of the most bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate.

Full Name: Angus Stanley King Jr.
Date of Birth: March 31, 1944
Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Angus King was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up in a family with strong ties to public service. His father was a lawyer and his mother a homemaker. King attended Dartmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. He then went on to earn a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969.

Personal Life: Angus King is married to Mary Herman, and they have five children. The family resides in Brunswick, Maine. King is known for his distinctive white hair and mustache, as well as his approachable demeanor and dedication to public service.

Early Career: After graduating from law school, King worked as a staff attorney for Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Skowhegan, Maine, providing legal services to low-income individuals. He later served as chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Narcotics. In the late 1970s, King moved into the private sector, becoming the vice president of a large alternative energy company and later founding his own energy conservation company, Northeast Energy Management, Inc.

Angus King (I)

Term Start: January 3, 2021

Political Career:

Governor of Maine: King entered politics as an independent and was elected Governor of Maine in 1994. He served two terms from 1995 to 2003. As governor, King focused on education reform, economic development, and technology initiatives, including the pioneering Maine Learning Technology Initiative, which provided laptops to middle school students statewide.
U.S. Senate: In 2012, King ran for the U.S. Senate as an independent and won, succeeding retiring Republican Senator Olympia Snowe. He took office on January 3, 2013. King was re-elected in 2018. In the Senate, he caucuses with the Democrats, providing him with committee assignments and influence within the majority party. King is known for his pragmatic and centrist approach to legislation, often working to bridge partisan divides.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Select Committee on Intelligence.

Legislative Achievements:

Energy and Environment: Advocates for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Supports measures to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Healthcare: Focuses on increasing access to affordable healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Supports the Affordable Care Act and has worked to improve healthcare services in Maine.
Defense and National Security: Serves on the Armed Services Committee and Intelligence Committee, working on issues related to national security, cybersecurity, and defense policy.
Education: Supports funding for education and has worked on initiatives to improve educational outcomes in Maine and across the country.

Senator King is known for his independent stance and commitment to bipartisan solutions. His focus on energy, healthcare, national security, and education has shaped his legislative priorities. King’s background as a former governor and business leader, along with his independent political affiliation, positions him as a unique and influential figure in the U.S. Senate.

Committees

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Voting patterns

Senator King’s voting patterns reflect his independent and pragmatic approach to legislation, often aligning with his caucus while maintaining a distinct focus on bipartisan and centrist policies.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Senator King has supported measures to expand healthcare access and reproductive rights. He voted in favor of the “Right to Contraception Act” (S.4381) and the “Right to IVF Act” (S.4445), showing his commitment to protecting and expanding healthcare services related to reproductive health.
Environmental Issues: King generally supports environmental protection and energy sustainability. He has voted for measures that address climate change and promote renewable energy. However, he balances these positions with considerations for economic impacts on his state and the nation.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Senator King advocates for fiscal responsibility while supporting necessary economic stimulus measures. He has voted for legislation that provides economic relief and stimulus during crises, such as COVID-19, while also emphasizing the need for balanced budgets and responsible spending.
National Security and Cybersecurity: As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, King has been a strong advocate for national security and cybersecurity measures. He supports robust defense policies and has pushed for enhancements in U.S. cyber defense capabilities to protect against foreign threats.
Labor and Employment: King supports policies that promote fair labor practices and workers’ rights. He has voted for measures that aim to improve workplace safety, increase wages, and protect the rights of workers.
Judicial and Administrative Oversight: Senator King plays a significant role in judicial confirmations and administrative oversight, often supporting qualified nominees while advocating for greater transparency and accountability in government operations.

Senator King’s voting record reflects his commitment to a balanced approach to fiscal policy, robust national defense, and progressive social policies. His focus on healthcare, environmental protection, and education aligns with his broader goals of promoting economic growth and ensuring the well-being of his constituents. King’s independent stance and bipartisan efforts make him a key player in shaping legislation in the U.S. Senate.