OK. I’m sick of stories like this one and this one, in which Claire McCaskill is characterized as a double crosser, someone who supports Obama for president even though Hillary Clinton helped her in her Senate race.

As good Democrats, at least three presidential contenders made high profile visits to Missouri to help McCaskill in her 2006 run for the Senate. John Edwards stumped and raised money for McCaskill in Springfield, an area where her improved performance helped put her over the top in a squeaker of an election. And Obama drew thousands to a giant GOTV in St. Louis’ Forest Park the weekend before the election. Hillary Clinton held several private fundraisers in KC and St. Louis.

So any way you slice it, McCaskill had to choose against other prominent Democrats whose support was crucial for her election. I’m sure their help went into consideration for her endorsement, but McCaskill has worked closely with Obama since she entered the Senate. It’s not surprising that her endorsement went to him.