Dave Catanese and Shira Toeplitz of Politico have put together a list of the five most vulnerable Senate Democrats heading into 2012 - and guess who is on it?
Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill
After watching Rep. Roy Blunt’s 14-point thrashing of Democratic scion Robin Carnahan, Missouri Republicans can hardly contain their excitement about forging ahead with a challenge against McCaskill.
Public Policy Polling pegs the first-term senator’s approval rating at just 40 percent and Republicans insist that her fate is inextricably linked to President Barack Obama, whom she vigorously campaigned for in 2008.
“I think she’s pretty well-hooked to that particular star. Whether that star is rising or falling will determine what happens to her,” said state GOP executive director Lloyd Smith.
Former Sen. Jim Talent appears to be the favored candidate for a rematch and Missouri Republicans who have worked for Talent say he’s leaning toward it, and will likely make up his mind by year’s end.
Steve Gordon, a fundraiser and Talent confidante, puts it this way: “Had it not been for the tidal wave of ’06, he would’ve won. He’s the most balanced person that I know. He’s working through the process.”
Talent’s glaring drawback is that he’s now lost two statewide runs, and there are questions about whether he has the fire in the belly to match McCaskill’s spark. Former Ambassador Ann Wagner and former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman also are mulling their options, but both are friendly with Talent and Missouri insiders believe neither is likely to challenge him if he takes the plunge.
McCaskill’s spokeswoman’s one-line response to her boss’ potential vulnerability: “Claire will be ready.”
Comments