Yesterday, doubling down via Twitter:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler ‏@RepHartzler

House just passed the Secret Science Reform Act to require EPA to disclose the science used to justify regulations so it can be verified. 2:19 PM – 19 Nov 2014

The responses are the usual priceless:

James McIninch ‏@james_mcininch

@RepHartzler The joke’s on them because if there’s anything Congress can’t stand and consistently ignores, it’s science. #readtheliterature 2:36 PM – 19 Nov 2014

James McIninch ‏@james_mcininch

@RepHartzler Holy crap! Just read the bill! It replaces scientists at the EPA with non-scientist industry “experts”. Morons or traitors? 3:57 PM – 19 Nov 2014

Good question.

Dan Arel ‏@danarel

.@RepHartzler verified by who? You? You dont even know the difference between weather and climate. You’re simply a functioning idiot. 5:37 PM – 19 Nov 2014

Clueless Troll ‏@CluelessTroll

@RepHartzler you don’t believe in or respect science, so what’s the difference… 5:50 PM – 19 Nov 2014

Varuka Salt ‏@Varuka

.@RepHartzler And now you just passed a bill demanding the EPA’s science? Why? You deny science already, how would more help you? 6:45 PM – 19 Nov 2014

Jayelle ‏@GreenEyedLilo

.@RepHartzler How about disclosing which corporations funded the few scientific studies you like, understand, and approve of? 6:50 PM – 19 Nov 2014

We’d be speechless if we were surprised.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Sesame Street is too complicated (November 18, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): cold warrior in the climate conflict  (November 18, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): just can’t catch a social media break (November 19, 2014)

Ah, yes, the Keystone XL pipeline.

Previously:

Padding Mary Landrieu’s resume (November 18, 2015)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): shifting tar sands (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 3 (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 2 (November 14, 2014)

Charles P. Pierce is meaner (November 14, 2014)

And then all hell broke loose (November 13, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? (November 13, 2014)

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) [file photo].

Senator Claire McCaskill issued a statement on Facebook about her vote yesterday in support of the Keystone XL pipeline congressional construction permit and she received a lot of comments from her political base. A lot of comments:

[….] I DO NOT stand with you on your very wrong vote! You campaigned on the premise that you understood rural Missouri so you should remember we value our land and resources and wish to keep them clean and free from pollution.

[….] No, no, no. Sen McCaskill, these pipelines spill and there’s very little benefit for the communities in their path. And burning the tar sands will mess up our climate. Stop trying to win over Republicans. It won’t work.

[….] I respectfully disagree.

[….] You need to resign

[….] You will be primaried because of this.

[….] Claire, how in the world does this boost America’s energy security? The oil is produced in Canada, transported by pipeline through the United States and exported through Texas and put on the international market. What jobs are created by building the pipeline quickly evaporates and the American taxpayer are stuck with the bill of doing any cleanup that comes from any spills. Environmentally, this oil is the dirtiest and nastiest to take from the earth and process. It’s unbelievable that you’d support this pipeline and it’s quite sad that you choose to pander to those who would never support you in any election or in most any venture.

[….] I must say, I am disappointed.

[….] I have supported you for a long time, but not on this issue.

[….] At least 41 of your colleagues have some common sense and give a dam about the environment.

[….] I cannot support you on this Senator Claire

[….] I will take your stance into consideration when you are up for reelection. At the very least with the GOP we know where they stand. I am disappointed to say the least.

[….] Very poor decision. May impact my future voting.

[….] Puke. How about a sustainable infrastructure jobs bill including solar power? I know you have to appease the Missouri demo/republcan’ts, but a spine is more important.

[….] Perhaps you should have a chat with Elizabeth Warren who seems to get it about this issue. Very disappointed in you

[….] Fifty permanent jobs. Yippee.

[….] I’m a longtime supporter of yours and believe in your work but passionately and wholeheartedly disagree with you on this.

[….] Sorry I totally disagree with you on this. Our country needs to put it’s collective mind into developing renewable clean energies so that future generations actually have non toxic world to live in. Stop catering to fossil fuel industries.

[….] This lifelong Democrat is feeling the nausea of spin, Senator. This is Canada’s oil pipes thru the US with zero requirements for any of it to remain in the US. The about face on supporting the pipeline as a “job creator” like tax cuts for billionaires is pathetic. If you vote for this the pipeline I hope it runs behind the back yard of your house and you are willing to have MO Democrats hold you accountable if one drop of oil leaks on our land, rivers or water supply.

[….] I’m sure the Koch bros approve this message. I do NOT!

[….] Less than 50 jobs,Claire. Stop.Trying.To.Pander.To.People.Who.Will.Never.Vote.For.You! Democrats acting like republicans and running away from the President is what lost us the Senate.

[….] Sorry, Claire. It’s got less than nothing to do with America’s energy security.

[….] This pipeline creates 35 permanent jobs! On the other hand when the pipeline breaks, which everyone knows it will, there is no way to clean up the tar sands and you hurt our planet. No job is worth the environment!

[….] This is definitely going to impact my support for you. I’m disappointed to say the least.

[….] Sorry Claire you’re wrong on this

[….] I have been incredibly thankful for you supporting equal rights. I am highly disappointed and completely disagree with you on this issue.

We need to be good stewards of our environment and invest in clean energy solutions. Aside from environment impact, the jobs created will be temporary and how many of them will be outsourced to “undocumented workers”?

I hope you sincerely reconsider your position in event the new congress will bring this back up.

[….] I never saw a pipe that doesnt leak.

[….] Claire, you are wrong on this one. Ask your supporters. They vote NO!

[….] Is the purpose of this pipeline an avenue for Canada to ship oil to China? Won’t it create less than 50 permanent jobs. Would rebuilding America’s bridges be a great way to create lots of jobs?

[….] You’re wrong…Just a handful of jobs after construction is completed and the US gets nothing but a pipeline for BIG OIL to use to export Canadian dirty oil..You should be ashamed for your support..

[….] Then let Canada export to the west coast of their country since the oil is going to China anyway. Oh Snap! Their people are too smart for that.

[….] What’s your plan when our water supply is polluted beyond help? You sold out Claire…….I will remember when election time comes up……and I am a Die Hard Democrat……..You sold out.

[….] You’ve lost me on this one senator and I ask you to reconsider.

[….] Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[….] I would like for her to explain how the pipeline benefits the citizens of Missouri.

1. It will reduce State revenue

2. It will cut railroad jobs

3. It will increase gas prices

4. It gives neighboring states a no-tax revenue source for infrastructure

5. We are on the hook for clean up

6. Diverts funds that could be used to develop solar and biomas to oil companies

It doesn’t even benefit America.

1. Moves Canadian oil to foreign markets bypassing US markets.

2. Cuts into US owned railroad profits and US railroad jobs

3. Allows Transnational companies to evade US taxes

4. Gives more profit to political manipulators

Claire, along with the Blunt and the Republicans persons are not just wrong they are enemies of the state.

[….] I am VERY disappointed in your vote for this bill!! Just how do you justify your support?

[….] Disappointed in your choice Clair. Can’t support you on this.

[….] I’m disappointed in your vote. It sounds like you have been drinking the GOP kool-aid.

[….] losing interest in supporting you Ms. McCaskill….

[….] Sorry Senator, you are wrong on this one. We don’t need the minimum number of jobs that would be created (even for construction). The damage to America’s water supply and ecology in general is potentially catastrophic. Let the Canadians do this if they want it. It won’t help America’s energy security, this oil will go on the international market, probably to China. I am very disappointed by your vote.

[….] I’m also surprised and disappointed. Estimates of 40,000 jobs has been discredited, and the environmental risk is real.

[….] I’m very disappointed in your actions of late. Maybe next time think about those who vote for you rather than those who might (but probably won’t) vote for you.

[….] This is extremely disappointing. The market situation takes precedence over the continued existence of the species too often. I thought you were better than that.

[….] No Claire, you do not want to support this , it is too dangerous!!!

[….] As a long time supporter of you Senator, I have to say respectfully, you are wrong on this issue. Polluting the US environment to pad the pockets of oil companies is not a risk we are willing to take. I suggest you listen to those who sent you to represent. Democrat re-elections are always tough in a red state, and it’ll be even harder while driving your base away.

[….] I believe you need to have different analysts researching this subject so they can feed you more accurate information. You are right though this is only about how it gets to market. It comes from Canada and will do nothing more than travel through the U.S. before going to market. The U.S. will take the environmental and cultural hit and get no benefits. The money will be in the oil company pockets with very few permanent jobs created. This does nothing for American security – it is not our oil.

[….] Very disappointed. How about getting behind renewable energy? Working on our infrastructure?

[….] I have supported u till now, not on this one!

[….] Disappointed. We have Republicans to spout these talking points. We don’t need Democrats to start on it, too!

[….] So sorry Srnstor McCaskill but you are wrong on this one. I’m very disappointed.

[….] Claire McCaskill is WAY TOO SMART to buy this line. Dig deep enough and we’ll probably find all kinds of connections to the petrochemical industry. I thought she was a person of integrity. She can never be trusted again.

[….] I would hope that the overwhelmingly negative response from the people who have taken the time to support/follow your page would give you an idea of how unfortunate and disappointing your decision was for the people who elected you to represent them.

And about thousand more responses along the same vein.

Somehow I don’t think the number of Keystone XL pipeline workers willing to man phone banks and go door to door at the next election is going to offset the hemorrhaging in the base.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) via Twitter this morning:

Claire McCaskill ‏@clairecmc

Fascinating.Empty seats and no cameras for hearing on Ebola & public health:threats,lessons learned,and preparedness 9:23 AM – 19 Nov 2014

And a couple of the responses:

Olivier Knox ‏@OKnox

@kaleekreider @clairecmc It’s not very practical, but at least we now know that the cure for Ebola hysteria in the US is mid-term elections. 9:31 AM – 19 Nov 2014

Michael Bersin ‏@MBersin

@clairecmc I understand Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r) has some expertise [….] 9:44 AM – 19 Nov 2014

Previously:

GOP goes Ebola crazy (October 18, 2014)

Have some knowledge for (a late) lunch (October 18, 2014)

Sen. Roy Blunt (r): Why have a Surgeon General when you can perpetuate gridlock instead? (October 19, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): The only thing we have to fear is… (October 20, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Ebola! (October 27, 2014)

hic sunt dracones (November 8, 2014)

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) is having an epic week on social media:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler ‏@RepHartzler

House just passed a bill I co-sponsor to reform the EPA Science Board to strengthen public participation & expand transparency. Smart plan. 2:57 PM – 18 Nov 2014

That does beg the question.

The replies:

personman ‏@personman

@RepHartzler If you really want an “all of the above” energy policy, why do you always promote fossil fuels and never renewables? 3:16 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Windier E. Megatons ‏@windiermegatons

@RepHartzler Shouldn’t you be required to understand anything about environmental science before you can reform the EPA Science Board? 5:39 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Good questions.

KryptonianAtheist ‏@KalSonofJorEl

Help me understand why we want people who don’t understand science to participate on a science board. Makes no sense. @RepHartzler 7:46 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Another good question. With right wingnut republicans logic is not an option.

0_okay ‏@calypsoh13

@KalSonofJorEl @RepHartzler We can only hope for reps who just don’t understand science. Normally it’s people who despise science. 7:51 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Heh. Right wingnuts have difficulty understanding irony and sarcasm, too.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Sesame Street is too complicated (November 18, 2014)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): cold warrior in the climate conflict  (November 18, 2014)

The retail price of gasoline in west central Missouri – still going down – November 18, 2014.

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? (November 13, 2014)

[….]

And the Democrats in the U.S. Senate want a vote to approve the Keystone pipeline so as to “save” the seat of Senator Mary Landrieu (which is beyond saving) in the upcoming runoff election? Right.

Give the store away to the opposition in the name of “moderation” by unlocking the door, pointing out the really valuable stock, loading the truck for them, and waving as they drive away. Yeah, that’ll motivate your base.

Via Twitter:

Murshed Zaheed ‏@murshedz

Mary Landreiu’s KXL play was more pathetic than LSU’s offense 5:28 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Michael Grunwald ‏@MikeGrunwald

Now Landrieu will lose with 42% of the vote and go lobby. Instead of losing with 44% of the vote and doing the same thing. 5:26 PM – 18 Nov 2014

David Dayen ‏@ddayen

“Well, Ms. Landrieu, it says here you did try your best to get the pipeline through. That’s the moxie we’ll need in our lobbying department” 5:37 PM – 18 Nov 2014

Ouch.

Fairfax: ….Man, that’s just mean. That’s mean, man.

Today’s U.S. Senate vote on issuing a construction permit:

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 113th Congress – 2nd Session

Question: On Passage of the Bill (S.2280 )

Vote Number: 280 Vote Date: November 18, 2014, 05:55 PM

Required For Majority: 3/5 Vote Result: Bill Defeated

Measure Number: S. 2280

Measure Title: A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote Counts: YEAs 59

NAYs 41

Blunt (R-MO), Yea

Landrieu (D-LA), Yea

McCaskill (D-MO), Yea

[emphasis added]

In January of 2015 the republican majority will change the Senate rules about the 60 votes needed to pass a bill so that nothing like this ever happens again. At least as long as they’re in charge.

Previously:  

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): shifting tar sands (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 3 (November 15, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? – part 2 (November 14, 2014)

Charles P. Pierce is meaner (November 14, 2014)

And then all hell broke loose (November 13, 2014)

We need the Keystone XL pipeline because? (November 13, 2014)

Darn that President Obama and his totally misguided national energy policy… (September 29, 2014)

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Sesame Street is too complicated (November 18, 2014)

Uh, there’s a difference between weather and climate. [….]

A lot of people noticed:

Glenn Greenwald ‏@ggreenwald

How does the obvious stupidity of this not embarrass people? RT @RepHartzler Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 7:48 AM – 18 Nov 2014

And a sample of the comments in reply to Representative Hartzler (r):

Glic ‏@Glic

.@RepHartzler <— Another elected official who doesn’t understand the difference between weather and climate.#science 7:22 AM – 18 Nov 2014

lawhawk ‏@lawhawk

.@RepHartzler .@BuzzFeedAndrew you do realize that global warming is more than the temp in your corner of the US? Global temps keep rising 7:25 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Hesster56 ‏@hesster56

@RepHartzler Your lack of knowledge is an embarrassment in an elected official. 7:27 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Bart ‏@bart_smith

These morons are at it again. – RT @RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 7:27 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Somite ‏@toxicpath

.@RepHartzler global warming isn’t real because it is cold where you are right now * sigh * @BuzzFeedAndrew 7:27 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Eve Zhurbinskiy ‏@gillibranded

Funny how I’m in DC too but yet possess the knowledge that it’s cold in late fall RT “@RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr!” 7:27 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Peg ‏@IowaPeg

.@RepHartzler Aww, are you upset that Joni has stolen your crazy-thunder and are trying to one up her on the batshit scale? Keep trying. 7:27 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Weather Moose ‏@WXMoose

@bart_smith @RepHartzler hey how about we stop using short-term, regional synoptic events for arguments for/against climate change 7:28 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Daniel Aubry ‏@Aubs89

@RepHartzler pray for brains dear. 7:29 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Adam Brown ‏@AdamTilted

Let me guess, you’re “not a scientist.” “@RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr!” 7:29 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Adam Weinstein ‏@AdamWeinstein

You wouldn’t know “global” even if it threatened to get gay-married on your lawn RT @RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 7:30 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Turkey Slaying Curt ‏@Curt_Ames

@RepHartzler @toxicpath In other news, the American educational system continues to produce vapid, smugly ignorant citizens. 7:39 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Financial Ownalyst ‏@Cyrus_T_Virus

I am horrified by the notion that you make decisions that affect my well-being RT @RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 7:40 AM – 18 Nov 2014

Christy Kilgore ‏@ckilgore

@RepHartzler You know science doesn’t work like that, right? 7:41 AM – 18 Nov 2014

michael hoffman ‏@chelicerata

Like people complaining the Sun is gone at night. RT @RepHartzler: Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 7:41 AM – 18 Nov 2014

And that’s some of the printable responses.

In the Washington Post:

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler wonders why it’s so cold if global warming exists. Here’s the answer.

By Philip Bump November 18 at 1:42 PM

It is that time of year when the weather gets cold – even unexpectedly cold – and online humorists and armchair scientists rise up as one to ask a question: “What happened to ‘global warming’???” It’s a good gag, see, because it’s cold and global warming implies that it will be warm. If you don’t get it, please e-mail me and I will explain further.

[….]

There are two options for what Hartzler, a Republican who represents Missouri’s 4th District, hopes to accomplish here. The first is that she’s making a joke about a serious environmental issue that has scientists around the world concerned about how mankind will fare under warmer conditions. We assume a member of Congress wouldn’t make such a joke.

[….]

But heat is just one effect, according to the climate report mentioned above.

Direct effects will include increased heat stress, flooding, drought, and late spring freezes. Climate change also alters pests and disease prevalence, competition from non-native or opportunistic native species, ecosystem disturbances, land-use change, landscape fragmentation, atmospheric and watershed pollutants, and economic shocks such as crop failures, reduced yields, or toxic blooms of algae due to extreme weather events.

That’s what the Midwest can expect.

[….]

The people in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District know what they can expect.

Today, right on schedule, at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C141055 11/18/2014 HANAWAY FOR GOVERNOR Rex Sinquefield 244 Bent Walnut Westphalia MO 65085 None Retired 11/17/2014 $10,000.00

[emphasis added]

The majestic quality of the law allows the rich and the poor alike to write weekly $10,000.00 checks to the campaigns of the candidates of their choice.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: keeping up appearances (November 11, 2014)

Every time Rex Sinquefield signs a check a campaign consultant gets their wings… – part 2 (October 28, 2014)

Every time Rex Sinquefield signs a check a twenty-something campaign consultant gets their wings… (October 22, 2014)

Campaign Finance: making a choice (October 15, 2014)

Campaign Finance: a choice (October 1, 2014)

Campaign Finance: wachet auf (September 17, 2014)

Campaign Finance: Which side are you on? (June 30, 2014)

Campaign Finance: waking up at the end of the quarter (June 25, 2014)

Campaign Finance: different friends (June 14, 2014)

Campaign Finance: This probably qualifies as an oxymoron… (May 22, 2014)

Uh, there’s a difference between weather and climate.

You know, the Sesame [Children’s Television] Workshop teaches critical thinking skills:

One of These Things (Is Not Like The Others)

One of these things is not like the others,

One of these things just doesn’t belong,

Can you tell which thing is not like the others

By the time I finish my song?

Today, via Twitter:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler ‏@RepHartzler

Global warming strikes America! Brrrr! 6:44 AM – 18 Nov 2014

A response:

Ed Smith ‏@esmith326

@RepHartzler I am not hungry, therefore, nobody on this planet is hungry. #samelogic… 7:11 AM – 18 Nov 2014

In the news:

Earth has warmest October on record as ocean temperatures top charts

Multiple datasets have confirmed it was the warmest October on record for the globe, keeping the planet on a course towards its toastiest year.

[….]

Last month, NOAA published a chart…indicating the global temperature for the remaining three months of the year need only average among the top 10 warmest for 2014 to be the warmest year on record.  Considering the October results in so far, a record warm year almost seems inevitable unless temperatures radically tank in November and December.

[….]

That’s global temperatures, not just in rural Cass County, Missouri. There is a difference when it comes to assessing the facts and determining policy, don’t you think?

Governor Jay Nixon signed an executive order today activating the Missouri National Guard:

Missouri National Guard to support law enforcement efforts in the event of unrest in the St. Louis region, Gov. Nixon announces

November 17, 2014

Jefferson City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed an executive order activating the Missouri National Guard to support law enforcement during any period of unrest that might occur following the grand jury’s decision concerning the investigation into the death of Michael Brown.  The Governor said the Guard will provide support for law enforcement’s objectives of maintaining safety and protecting constitutional rights.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury’s decision,” Gov. Nixon said. “These additional resources will support law enforcement’s efforts to maintain peace and protect those exercising their right to free speech. The National Guard is well-suited to provide security at command posts, fire stations and other locations as well as perform other functions that will free up law enforcement officers to remain focused on community policing and protecting constitutional rights.”

Gov. Nixon’s executive order also establishes that the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will operate as a unified command to keep members of the public safe and protect property, while allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.  Under the executive order, the St. Louis County Police Department will have command and operational control over security in the City of Ferguson in areas of protests and acts of civil disobedience, should such activities occur.

“All people in the St. Louis region deserve to feel safe in their communities and to make their voices heard without fear of violence or intimidation,” said Gov. Nixon. “Public safety demands that we are fully prepared for any contingency, regardless of what the St. Louis County grand jury or the U.S. Department of Justice decides.”

The St. Louis County prosecutor has said publicly that an announcement of the grand jury’s decision will be made later this month. The United States Department of Justice, which is conducting both civil and criminal investigations of the death of Michael Brown, has not announced when its investigations will be concluded.

“Our department, like other police departments in the region, has a full time job keeping our neighborhoods safe.  We are used to working with other agencies in times of necessity,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Sam Dotson. “Having the support of the National Guard available will enable local officers to continue to respond promptly to calls for service.”

“We have taken tremendous strides over the past three months, as our officers have undergone thousands of hours of additional training and reached out to build strong relationships across the community,” said St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar. “These additional resources will enhance our ability to achieve our key responsibilities: keeping the public safe, protecting property and enabling people to exercise their constitutional rights.”

Requests from local law enforcement for duties to be performed by the Guard will be handled through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“These past three months have been challenging for our community but we have come together in many measurable ways,” said Captain Ron Johnson, commander of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C. “The power of communication within the community has allowed us to take steps toward peaceful change that demonstrate the true character of North County. The availability of the National Guard will ensure that law enforcement has the resources to protect three things vital to our community: public safety, property and the constitutional rights of all.”

The Missouri National Guard has been deployed a total of 32 times since 2001 to assist local communities with emergency preparedness and response, from shoring up levees during floods to providing security following the Joplin tornado. The Guard will be commanded by Brigadier General Gregory Mason, a retired 30-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

[….]

 

By now everybody has had their say about Demoratic Senator Claire McCaskill’s decision to bow to the manufactured, rightwing anti- Harry Reid fervor and refuse to vote for Reid as the Senate Minority Leader. Opportunistic? Certainly. Typical? Absoltely. Effective? Who can know.

Best speculation about how deep the maneuvre may cut? You can read it here. Short version: McCaskill is positioning herself for a run for Governor in 2016 and may try to buy off Koster by promising him her empty Senate seat if she wins. The DailyKos author sees lots of advantages in this scenario given the realities of Misouri politics. The Kansas City Star also speculates about the Reid put-down in terms of McCaskill’s gubernatorial aspirations.

Maybe she’ll impress a few “moderate” Missouri Republicans who are turned off by the state’s GOP clown show, but only at the cost of alienating progessives still further. And maybe it won’t even begin to have the effect that McCaskill hopes it will. Moderates of either party aren’t necessarily stupid. I assume folks at Breibart still speak for the  up-tight right and this is what they have to say about McCaskill’s exercise in political theatre:

They [i.e., McCaskill and like minded red state Seantors] didn’t even bother putting up a sham opponent against Reid to make it look convincing?  Aw, come on, guys, you’ve got to try harder to trick your constituents into thinking you’re a “new” kind of “moderate” Democrat.  The 2014 election should have made it abundantly clear that voters didn’t buy into the posturing from Democrats who claimed they would become Barack Obama’s worst nightmare when they reached Washington.  What makes these “defectors” think a tiny little squeak of protest against keeping Reid as their Senate poobah is going to fool anyone?

If the right wing is already jeering about this charade, will others tarry behind for very long? Breibart’s John Hayward may be correct about the lesson to be drawn – which some folks never learn. The 2014 election did show us that Democrats won’t turn out for polliticians who don’t stand up for their principles. There’s no substitute for backbone, even in politics. Especially in politics.