I've seen several people ask why a 51D Senate is meaningfully better than a 50D Senate and nobody has given the correct answer: with 51Ds the party can openly primary Sinema without risking control of the Senate.
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Replying to @khuey_
Risking control how? Do you think she'd switch parties? I don't think she'd have much chance in a Republican primary in Arizona. (Democrats holding the senate in 2024 will be tough either way; it's the most D-leaning of the three classes. See dbaron.org/senate-classes/ .)

Nov 9, 2022 · 9:59 PM UTC

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Replying to @davidbaron @khuey_
Also, if @RubenGallego declares his candidacy for the Senate seat, that would put pressure on Sinema to behave in ways that would help her win a Democratic primary...
Replying to @davidbaron
Kyle Huey @khuey_
9 Nov 2022
Replying to @samth
I mean if it's a 50/50 Senate if the party institutionally opposes her she just signs on with McConnell for the rest of the Congress and fucks us. If it's 51/49 the party can put its weight behind Gallego.