Blunt Assessment: "We’re only inviting conservative politicians.”

Rep. Roy Blunt (R-K Street/Georgetown) really, really wants conservatives to know he supports the Tea Party press events, but still hasn't figured out a way to fit one into his schedule.  Yesterday, he was at the Capitol in Jefferson City for meetings with fellow Republicans, but skipped the morning Tea Party on the steps of the Capitol (he sent state Sen. Carl Vogel to read a letter for him).  Today, he's in St. Louis for "campaign and media meetings" but will not be in attendance at Ed Martin's Tea Party downtown this evening.

On Saturday, conservative radio host Vincent David Jericho is hosting a Tea Party in Springfield. When asked if Blunt was invited to speak, Jericho replied: “No, we’re only inviting conservative politicians.”  Oh, snap!

Why is Blunt afraid to take the stage and speak directly to the Republican base?  Is he afraid to be seen embracing event organizers with cameras rolling?  Or afraid that he'll be booed? 

It's odd, no matter how you slice it.