In the political world, it is now more or less old news that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) officially left the Democrat Party in December, switching her party affiliation to being independent. This did not amount to a complete breakup, at least not initially. As was noted by PJ Media, Sinema had maintained her committee roles and of course, still spoke with many Senate Democrats.
At the time, Sinema appeared on CNN to explain her rationale for the exit, saying she is focused on doing what matches the values of both herself and the Arizonans she was elected to represent. She additionally stressed to a seemingly concerned Anderson Cooper that she is not worried about the mechanics of Washington, D.C.
As it turns out, things might not be all sunshine and roses for relations between Sinema and her Democrat colleagues. Despite Sinema still being a left-winger, it seems many Democrats have soured on how they view her since she first assumed office.
Take this article about Sinema by the leftist Politico, which accuses her of attending “a series of Republican-dominated receptions and retreats” to belittle Democrats, offer praise to “her GOP allies,” and to, as the outlet put it, “quite literally give the middle finger to President Joe Biden’s White House.”
The piece adds that these displays are just what occurs in public; it alleges that while speaking with Republican senators in private Sinema has derided Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in “harshly critical terms.”
Sinema reportedly blasted her Caucus’ weekly luncheons at the Capitol, telling a group of GOP lobbyists at a Washington reception earlier this year they were “ridiculous.”
“Old dudes are eating Jell-O, everyone is talking about how great they are,” she apparently told a laughing group of people. “I don’t really need to be there for that. That’s an hour and a half twice a week that I can get back.”
Politico is not the only one going after the Arizona representative. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) put Sinema on blast earlier this month, accusing her of prioritizing the needs of large corporate banks over the average American.
Today, we held a press conference in front of the SVB offices in Tempe.
The SVB collapse is a direct result of Kyrsten Sinema’s choice to side with big banks over everyday Arizonans.. pic.twitter.com/NqyUEMS1pn
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) March 14, 2023
Now, Democrat donors are reportedly demanding Sinema hand their previously given donations back, but are only being met with crickets. It remains to be seen how this backlash could affect any political campaigns the now-independent Arizona senator may launch in the future.
