Rush vs. Russ. No one should be surprised that Rush Limbaugh has said something offensive. That’s to be expected. What’s much more disappointing is Russ Carnahan’s divisive and selfish decision to run for Congress in the 1st District, against incumbent Lacy Clay.

While Rush was doing his expected narcissistic thing, many of us had been hoping that Russ would do something generous for Missouri by running for the open seat in the 2nd Congressional district. But, no.

While Rush was claiming–by default–a position of “moral leadership” in the Republican party, Russ was running from the opportunity to stake a Democratic claim in the 2nd district. Russ has name recognition, a political organization and a track record that would be a great contrast to Ann Wagner or any other Republican who might get the Republican nomination. But, no.

While Rush  was uniting Republicans with his anti-Obama, far-right, non-fact-based rhetoric, Russ was filing in the first district, a move that will inevitably be divisive–pitting black vs. white, the north side of St. Louis vs. the south side, democrat vs. democrat–and threatening the stability of a critical minority-majority Congressional district.

And while Rush was doing his customary, highly effective, demagogic job of speaking the no-longer unspeakable for the radical right, Russ made a move that could potentially unseat Lacy Clay, whose voting record–he’s ranked among the top 19 progressive Congressmen–makes him an essential voice for the left.

Rush had to apologize. Russ?