Sen. Kyrsten Sinema committed a fashion don't when she told fellow Democrats to f--- off

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema appears to be mounting a rescue operation for Arizona Republicans still reeling over the loss of not one but two Senate seats.

On Sunday, Sinema sent the clearest message yet to her fellow Democrats, who have been pressuring her to break the filibuster logjam and allow liberal proposals to flow forth.

She told them to f--- off.

She did it, as always, in her own unique style. But as political moves go, this one was a fashion don’t.

Sinema became the first Arizona Democrat in three decades to ascend to the U.S. Senate in 2018, squeaking into office with just more than 51% of the vote – aided by Martha McSally, a tin-earred Trump ally who managed to turn off moderate Republican women and independent voters.

Since then, Sinema has done just what she said she would do, to the consternation of Democrats who seem to think she owes them something. She has charted a middle course, in search of solutions that have bipartisan support.

That stance served her well when she had no power.

But now she has power. The question is, can she wield it to actually get something done?

Or is she simply there to strike a pose?

I’ve long believed that Sinema is in the catbird seat. Democrats have never loved her but they can’t afford to dump her. If they field a more liberal candidate in 2024, they likely will lose the seat to Republicans.

It’s a risk I didn’t think early on that they would take. But at some point, you’ve got to wonder when Democrats will begin to ask themselves, what’s the difference?

It doesn’t help that Sinema seems to relish poking them in the nose.

Shortly before the vote on including a $15 minimum wage as part of the COVID-19 relief bill and under massive pressure by Democrats to toe the party line, she showed up on the Senate floor wearing a hot-pink sweater proclaiming “Dangerous Creature.”

A few days later, she gave the minimum wage proposal a thumbs down, adding a cheeky curtsy for emphasis.

Now, if there was any question as to her message, she posted Sunday’s picture on Instagram, a United States senator giving the finger to her own party.

Totally on brand, but maybe a bit overboard.

Democrats certainly were not amused.

Sinema was right to vote no on putting the minimum wage hike into a short-term pandemic relief bill, which required only a simple majority to pass. It was a blatant end-run on Republicans and the filibuster rule that requires 60 votes on most legislation.

But her constant call for bipartisanship isn’t an excuse to do nothing. On the minimum wage. On immigration reform and gun reform and voting rights.

Sinema vowed to get things done

Sinema campaigned on a pledge to seek bipartisan support. But she also voted to “get things done for everyday Arizonans.”

Yet these days she's walking around in a fashionable pair of concrete boots, one of just two Democratic senators who refuse to consider, under any circumstances, eliminating the filibuster to "get things done for everyday Arizonans."

Another view:We didn't help get Sinema elected so she could ensure gridlock

Perhaps it’s time for Sinema to consider a new fashion statement. May I suggest, senator, that you next appear on the Senate floor rocking a stunning pink jacket emblazoned with a jaunty three-word phrase:

Sinema should be willing to forgo the filibuster if Republicans don’t make a good-faith effort to work with Democrats on the issues important to Arizonans. Likewise, she should make it equally clear that she’s willing to stand tough – and alone – if her fellow Democrats swing too far to the left.

But doing nothing should not be an option. Not if she wants to win re-election.

Assuming, that is, that she's actually on the ballot in November 2024.

Poke the donkey one too many times, senator, and you may find it packs quite a kick.

Reach Roberts at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @LaurieRoberts.