President’s Handlers and Staunch Supporters Disagree
The president’s handlers and staunch supporters may disagree, but it appears the political waters in his own backyard are becoming turbulent.
What do Democrats Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO), Rep. John Barrow (GA), Rep. Mark Critz (PA), Rep. Kathy Hochul (NY), Sen. Joe Manchin (WV), Rep. Jim Matheson (UT), Rep. Bill Owens (NY), Rep. Nick Rahall (WV), Sen. Jon Tester (MT), Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (WV) have in common?
Taking a Rain Check
They all plan to take a rain check on the Charlotte Democratic Convention this September.
Sen. McCaskill, considered highly vulnerable in her November re-election bid, said Tuesday she will spend the week campaigning in her home state instead of making the trip the N.C. McCaskill joins a growing group of renegade Democrats serving in conservative districts who have decided to forego the convention.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a surrogate to President Obama, believes those Democrats choosing to by-pass the convention do so for “valuable time campaigning in their districts.” He added, “They are stay-in Democrats with tough campaigns ahead this November.”
Plans to be AWOL
“Would you go to North Carolina for a bunch of parties and glad-handing, or would you stay home and work as hard as you know how and convince Missourians they should rehire you?” McCaskill said Tuesday between Senate votes.
But McCaskill insisted her decision was not about avoiding Obama. She said she’s asked the President to campaign with her and will join Vice President Joe Biden for an event soon. McCaskill noted that she appeared recently with Obama at an event in Joplin, Mo. – New Jersey Herald
“Of course,” she said when asked if she would stand on the same stage as Obama.
Obama’s Approval Rating Remains Shockingly Low
There is no getting around the fact that Missouri is one of the swing states that did not vote for Obama in 2008 where his approval rating remains shockingly low. In 2008, McCaskill was an enthusiastic Obama supporter playing the surrogate role much like Rep. Van Hollen is doing in 2012.
McCaskill attended the 2008 convention in Denver – the difference being she was not up for re-election that year. It should be noted she skipped the convention the year she was running for governor. Whether or not cheering Obama in Charlotte will bring her votes or take a few away remains to be seen.
GOP Needs Four Net Seats
The GOP needs four net seats to take control of the Senate, and McAskill is seen an extremely vulnerable candidate for defeat.
Whatever each lawmaker’s reasons for not attending may be, for ten to come out months before the convention is a great embarrassment to the gala’s organizers and the president himself.
It dignifies Washington whispers of a split within the Democratic Party.
That can be clearly seen today as the entire House will vote on whether to charge contempt of Congress on Attorney General Eric Holder.
Five Democrats plan to vote with the Republicans.
