Greg_Groogan's Blog

Oddsmakers rate Hillary Clinton's chances of grabbing the Democratic nomination as a longshot.

 Regardless of how much damage the former first lady does to the political party she claims to love - it's unlikely she'll quit, particularly if she manages to win in Pennsylvania.

 This insistence on fighting to the bitter end is exacting a painful political price of one of the New York Senator's most loyal lieutenants.  

I'm talking about Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

An early, vocal and tireless supporter of the presumptive favorite, Jackson Lee admits she was among those convinced the nomination would be wrapped up well before March.

Instead, Jackson Lee found herself campaining in her home state AGAINST the most formidable African-American presidential candidate in American history .

At the Democratic Senatorial convention she endured a barrage of boos and catcalls from folks who once counted themselves her loyal constituents.

She responded with courage and poise. But you just know it hurt and hurt bad.

80 percent of the delegates voted for Obama and many deeply resented the Congresswoman's refusal to reflect the clear preference of those she represents.

The hard feelings have spawned plenty of speculation that Jackson-Lee is now vulnerable to challenge.

Scuttlebutt has it two (and perhaps more) attractive candidates are actively organizing.

Which brings us back to Senator Clinton's desire to slug it out, as they say," 'til the last dog is dead."

The hard fact is Jackson-Lee may become collateral damage. What she desperately needs to do (and likely wants to do) is shed herself of obligation to Hillary and get to work for Team Obama (albeit a good bit late). The sooner, the better.

If past performance is any indication - Jackson Lee will be relentless. What better way to close wounds and dim memories of a high percentage play that went south.

I'm guessing the fallout would be even worse if Clinton completes an unlikely end-run with super delegates. Outrage in Jackson Lee's district (and across the country) would be swift, fierce and lasting.

No, at this point, the best possible political scenario for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is for her candidate to surrender.  

One wonders if the Senator from New York cares that every additional day she answers the bell, it's Jackson Lee enduring the punches ?