Since Senator Kyrsten Sinema became an independent in December, her Democratic colleagues have been careful not to alienate her, as they have a one-seat majority and require her support for legislation and nominations.
Senate Democrats have evaded inquiries about the mercurial runner who is still barely in their ranks, hoping to get through this year and then gather clarification on whether Sinema would even seek reelection in 2024, let alone continue to caucus with her former party.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan), who leads the Senate Democratic campaign arm, told me, “It’s quite early.” I have no idea what she intends to accomplish.
Yet, Sinema may facilitate the Democrats’ discussions.
Sinema has used a series of Republican-dominated events and retreats this year to insult her Democratic colleagues, lavish praise on her Republican supporters, and in one instance, offer the middle finger to Vice President Joe Biden’s White House.
And that is in front of an audience.
Speaking privately, whether one-on-one or with small groups of Republican senators, she is much more caustic, notably of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, according to senior Republican sources intimately aware with her remarks.
Sinema’s sniping spree has pleased Republican legislators, lobbyists, and contributors, giving some of them optimism that she may be persuaded to caucus with the GOP, either in the current House or if she is again as an independent.
Nevertheless, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whom Sinema has aggressively courted, remains suspicious. McConnell has concentrated on recruiting a noncontroversial Arizona Republican into the race, someone who might draw the moderate GOP votes and independents that Sinema would require to win the purple state as an independent.
