Senator Quits Democrats Causing Power Shakeup

Her decision brings up critics and applause on both sides of the fence with Sinema saying that “criticism from outside entities doesn’t really matter to me.”

Sinema would not discuss wether she would be running for a second Senate term saying, “It’s fair to say that I’m not talking about it right now.”

“I keep my eye focused on what I’m doing right now. And registering as an independent is what I believe is right for my state. It’s right for me. I think it’s right for the country,” she continued, and stated that “politics and elections will come later.”

Still, she did dismiss one possibility that her new independent status may raise for some: “I am not running for president.”

Sinema went on to say that her announcement is “less about the timing,” but that “It’s really about me thinking how can I be most productive? How can I be true to my core values, the values of my state, and how do I continue being a really productive but independent voice for Arizona?”

Sinema said. “I want people to see that it is possible to do good work with folks from all different political persuasions, and to do it without the pressures or the poles of a party structure.”

Politico