Sen. AWOL Taking Heat

Senator McCain showed up for work today, but I don't think that's going to satisfy this Arizona legislator:

A Phoenix-area Republican legislator called on Sen. John McCain to resign from his seat Tuesday if he continues to miss votes while campaigning for president.

State Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa also said he regrets supporting Sen. Jon Kyl during last year's election because the senator now supports a comprehensive immigration bill — though he stopped short of calling for Kyl's resignation.

"It's about time we start cleaning house if that's what it takes," said Pearce, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

According to the Washington Post, McCain has missed 43 votes, nearly 50 percent of the current Congress' votes. In comparison, Hillary Clinton has missed less than 2 percent of votes and Barack Obama has missed 6.4 percent, according to the Post.

"We need a senator," Pearce said. "I think if McCain wants to be a full-time candidate and not be at the Senate, he ought to consider resigning."

Asked if he would prefer a Napolitano appointee over McCain, Pearce said: "Even poor representation is better than no representation."

Republicans in Arizona are so pissed at McCain (and I assume at least some of this has to do with immigration) that they would rather see a Democrat appoint someone to the seat than have him continue to blow off his Senatorial duties.

In 1996 Bob Dole resigned from the Senate to run for President, but only after he got the nomination. McCain is being as cavalier about his responsibilities two years out. He ought to go and tilt at Presidential windmills instead of being a SINO (Senator in Name Only).