U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill told an audience of mostly college students at Missouri State University Monday that compromise is a value that's embodied in the U.S. Constitution.
The problem with politics today, she said, is that there aren’t enough people in the middle of the room, and she wants to break the cycle of “tit for tat.”
According to McCaskill, voters should pay attention to the candidates who believe moderation and compromise are important when serving in a legislative body.
"I think some of the independent candidates are talking about it," she said, "but, certainly, I've never heard the word 'moderation' or 'compromise' come out of my opponent--my Republican opponent's--mouth, so there's a pretty big divide between us, I think, on this particular subject."
McCaskill said the U.S. needs more places like Missouri with one Republican and one Democrat.
She said she believes that if a third party rises up, it would likely be a centrist party.
McCaskill will face Republican Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley in the race for the U.S. Senate in November.
The National Border Patrol Council recently endorsed McCaskill in that race.
McCaskill said she believes she got the endorsement because of her record.
“I have really been in the room trying to figure out ways to get them more resources to secure the border," she said. "I think they know, I mean, I’m on the committee of jurisdiction in the Senate, so they’ve paid very close attention to what I’ve done in the Senate.”
The National Border Patrol Council endorsed President Donald Trump in 2016.