I was disappointed to read of Senator Angus King’s “no” vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act (“King vote fuels talk of a switch to Republicans, but he’s neutral,” April 11, 2014).

Disappointed, but not very surprised. The senator said he’d make his decision on whether to caucus with the GOP “based on what I think is best for Maine.”

His spokeswoman also said much the same thing about his vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act. Senator King also states that he “opposes discrimination and thinks men and women should be paid the same,” but that he couldn’t support the bill. .

The article makes no mention of whether he offered any amendment to make the bill more acceptable to him. Nor did it say whether he’s offered any legislation to correct what he apparently thinks are the “real causes driving the wage gap.” If he really is concerned about this gap, perhaps he should consider offering such legislation.

Perhaps the most telling part of the article is the discussion of how Sen. King might fare if the GOP takes control of the Senate, and what “choice” committee assignments he could get should he decide to stay independent but caucus with the GOP. As the article points out, “committee assignments are political currency” and maybe the senator feels the need to get a little more of that “currency.”

As I said, I’m disappointed, but not very surprised.

Joyce Morgan

Brunswick

 


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