The deal to end the shutdown exposed rifts among Democrats. Just ask Maine
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AUGUSTA, Maine — This week's vote to end the federal government shutdown sharply divided Congress along partisan lines. Yet the bill to reopen the government was reliant upon Democratic lawmakers of both chambers who joined Republicans, exposing rifts within the Democratic Party.
That political divide was clearly evident in Maine's congressional delegation — and the public's reaction to how they voted .
"Well, Angus really hurt us in Maine," said Donna Doucette who, like many folks in Maine, refers to Sen. Angus King by his first name. King — an independent who caucuses with Democrats — was among eight minority party senators who negotiated a deal with Republicans to reopen government.
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Doucette was one of about two dozen protesters holding signs alo
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