Independents can bridge the bipartisan divide

"Thanks to independent coalitions shifting the balance of power in our respective chambers, no piece of legislation in the Maine or Alaska state house can now pass on a straight party-line vote. In Maine, since the start of session, one Republican and two Democrats have decided to un-affiliate from their parties. In Alaska, a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and independents caucus together. This has put substantial pressure on both major parties to work toward finding common ground."