Sen. King contemplating change of vote on government shutdown

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - After voting with Republicans to try and avoid a government shutdown, Senator Angus King says he is now contemplating a change of vote.

King sided with GOP members in supporting a “continuing resolution” that would stave off a shutdown by allowing the government to operate under its existing budget through Nov. 21.

However, the measure failed by a 55-45 margin, five short of the 60 votes needed to pass in the Senate.

Republicans need at least seven Democrats to support the resolution which has already passed 217-212 in the House.

The Republicans are continuing efforts to find a compromise for more Democrats to support the short-term spending bill to reopen the government.

But now, King says he is planning to change his vote unless his colleagues take what he calls is a more “honest” approach.

“I’m contemplating changing my vote unless the Republicans are more forthcoming about dealing with the ACA problem. The best we got was last Friday when the leader said he was open to conversations. That’s not good enough. We need to deal with this problem. We need some assurance that they will deal with this problem. And so far, that hasn’t been forthcoming.“

King said his vote to keep funding the government was one to help protect vulnerable Americans, especially in rural states such as Maine.