NBC Political Director: Roy Blunt's Washington Record a "Real Problem"

Appearing earlier this evening on Hardball, NBC Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd was quite bearish on Roy Blunt's ability to capitalize on any anti-incumbent sentiment this year.  In his words, "the open seat in Missouri is a real problem for Republicans because they nominated somebody that isn`t very anti-Washington in Roy Blunt." Chuck Purgason might take issue with the assertion that Blunt has already been nominated, but it would be hard for anyone to argue that Roy Blunt isn't the consummate Washington politician. Watch it:

Here's a transcript of the relevant portion of that clip:

MATTHEWS: Do you think that`s true, that we`re going to make history this year, the Senate holds, the House may go, Chuck?

TODD: I tell you, I guess my feeling is no. There`s a reason why history is -- I mean, there`s a reason why we`ve seen this every single time. And the fact is, they are looking for candidates in Wisconsin. I think Russ Feingold better be careful. Patty Murphy in Washington state ought to be careful.

Now, that said, there are speed bumps here, too. I think the open seat in Missouri is a real problem for Republicans because they nominated somebody that isn`t very anti-Washington in Roy Blunt. And then they`ve got this Louisiana deal. I don`t think -- you know, the fact is, let`s see what happens when David Vitter has to deal with a campaign for the very first time...

And later in the program, Atlantic Media Political Director Ron Brownstein hit on the same point:

Here's a transcript:

MATTHEWS: Where do you see a Democrat capitalizing on the anti- incumbent attitude right there?

MILLIGAN: Let's see --

BROWNSTEIN: Missouri might be the best, where you have got --

MILLIGAN: Roy Blunt is the House leader.

BROWNSTEIN: And Robin Carnahan (ph), who has got a good good name and is secretary of state there. Susan`s right, Democrats will give themselves a lot more breathing room if they can some how win any of these four Republican seats that are somewhat vulnerable, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio...