With Split Decision on Impeachment, Maine Democrat Risks a Dual Backlash

“I have not seen a single conservative or Republican voter who said, “I really appreciate that you only voted to impeach Trump on one count rather than two,” said Kiernan Majerus-Collins, the chairman of the Lewiston Democrats.

Mr. Golden’s explanation for his vote, on the other hand, angered and frustrated some Democrats, including the author and famous Mainer Stephen King. As one of Mr. Golden’s constituents, Mr. King threatened on Twitter to “work with all my might to see him defeated next year” if he followed through with it.

“Unflattering comparisons to Maine’s senior senator have certainly been made,” Mr. Majerus-Collins said, referring to Ms. Collins (who is not related). Ms. Collins, a Republican who has her own reputation as a pivotal swing vote able to make or break legislation, is viewed with suspicion and anger by many Democrats who believe she flirts with crossing party lines only to protect herself politically.

In some ways, the two are grappling with similar challenges. Beginning her re-election campaign last month, Ms. Collins played up what she called her independent streak: “In today’s polarized political environment, is there still a role for a centrist who believes in getting things done through compromise, collegiality, and bipartisanship? I have concluded that the answer to this question is ‘yes,’” she said.

But Mr. Golden’s path in the House is far different. Where an island of one in the Senate can be the most powerful place to be, in the hierarchal House, a lone lawmaker who breaks from party ranks does so at his or her political peril.

Still, on impeachment, Mr. Golden’s decision appears to have won over some voters in a state that prides itself on its tradition of fierce political independence.

“It takes some courage to do that when a lot of people just follow their party. That’s what everyone doesn’t like,” said Bill Waterman, 60, of Litchfield. “People here in Maine are very independent thinkers. We want somebody who’s going to do the right thing and not just what the party says to do.”



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