- Oct 17, 2011
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WASHINGTON —
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced Friday that she has switched her registration from Democrat to independent, but she does not plan to caucus with Republicans, ensuring that Democrats will retain their narrow majority in the Senate.
“Registering as an independent and showing up to work with the title of independent is a reflection of who I’ve always been, and it’s a reflection of who Arizona is,” Sinema said in a video. “We don’t line up to do what we’re told. We do what’s right for our state and for our country. I’m going to be the same person I’ve always been.”
Come January, Bernie and Angus King of Maine will be the 2 independent senators that still make up part of the Democratic caucus' majority. Sinema apparently hasn't said whether she will caucus with the Democrats or not, but even if she doesn't, the Democrats would have a 50-49 majority.
This is probably more about strategizing for 2024 (should she decide to run again) than any actual change in her positions or personal style. Having alienated some Democrats, she faces a loss in a Democratic primary. She's not Republican enough to win a Republican primary either. So her only path forward is to own that middle lane. Win the votes of some D's and some R's, and pick up most of the independent vote.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced Friday that she has switched her registration from Democrat to independent, but she does not plan to caucus with Republicans, ensuring that Democrats will retain their narrow majority in the Senate.
“Registering as an independent and showing up to work with the title of independent is a reflection of who I’ve always been, and it’s a reflection of who Arizona is,” Sinema said in a video. “We don’t line up to do what we’re told. We do what’s right for our state and for our country. I’m going to be the same person I’ve always been.”
Come January, Bernie and Angus King of Maine will be the 2 independent senators that still make up part of the Democratic caucus' majority. Sinema apparently hasn't said whether she will caucus with the Democrats or not, but even if she doesn't, the Democrats would have a 50-49 majority.
This is probably more about strategizing for 2024 (should she decide to run again) than any actual change in her positions or personal style. Having alienated some Democrats, she faces a loss in a Democratic primary. She's not Republican enough to win a Republican primary either. So her only path forward is to own that middle lane. Win the votes of some D's and some R's, and pick up most of the independent vote.
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