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In Latest Bout of Hypocrisy, McCaskill Tries to Forget She’s a Career Politician

Recent comments by Senator Claire McCaskill’s campaign mark the latest in a long line of glaring hypocrisy from McCaskill.

In an attempt to undermine prospective opponents, McCaskill’s campaign made broad sweeping criticisms of “ladder-climbing” politicians. This is especially puzzling coming from McCaskill, who has made a 35-year career out of jumping from one elected office to the next.

“Again, Claire McCaskill is throwing stones from her ever-growing glass house,” said Austin Stukins, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. “As per the usual, Claire is quick to judge other people, without any introspection; she acts like she is above reproach,” Stukins continued. “I believe Missourians know better than to trust someone whose actions always completely contradict her words.”

As to McCaskill’s own lengthy career in public office, it’s no secret that “she climbed the political ladder, first as a local prosecutor, then moved through a succession of state and local elected positions.” (Kit Wagar, “Governor Race Gives Voters Very Different Choices,” The Kansas City Star, 10/23/04).

Let’s take a look at some of McCaskill’s most salient “ladder-climbing” moments during multiple jumps from office to office over the last 35 years:

• McCaskill served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1983-1989 and in the Jackson County Legislature from 1991 to 1993.
• In 1992, McCaskill was elected as Jackson County Prosecutor.
• After serving as a county prosecutor, McCaskill was elected as State Auditor in 1998.
• According to a July 1999 Kansas City Star article, McCaskill was barely into her first term as auditor when she began hatching plans for a jump directly to the State’s highest office, and intimated a gubernatorial bid that would come sooner rather than later.
• Despite grander plans, McCaskill returned as State Auditor for a second term and stated she wanted to serve two full terms in that capacity.
• But shortly after she was reelected in 2002, she began ramping up her bid for Governor, and she pursued an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid shortly thereafter.
• Having lost the gubernatorial race, McCaskill fulfilled the remainder of her second term as auditor, only to turn around and run for U.S. Senate in 2006.