Democratic Senator distancing herself from her party

Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, who is running behind in the polls against potential Republican challengers, has introduced a television commercial in which she attempts to show voters in her state she doesn't answer to the Democratic Party.

From Roll Call:

In the 30-second commercial, Lincoln touts the votes where she broke with her party on major issues this cycle. She specifically cites her opposition to the second round of Troubled Asset Relief Program funding, the auto industry bailout, the public option in the health care bill and cap-and-trade legislation.

“None of those were right for Arkansas,” Lincoln says in the spot. “Some in my party didn’t like it very much, but I approve this message because I don’t answer to my party, I answer to Arkansas.”

Democratic candidates running away from the Democratic Party. What a great idea! I think we'll be seeing more of that as November approaches.