MO-Sen: McCaskill grateful to fellow Democrat who cracked her rib, possibly saving her life

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) was still hitting the campaign trail over the weekend in an effort to keep her seat this fall, in spite of a cracked rib injury given to her by fellow Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) last week.

While McCaskill warned supporters that she wouldn't be able to give hugs for a bit while she recovers, she praised Manchin for saving her from choking using the Heimlich maneuver.

What happened?

During the Senate Democrats' regular caucus lunch last week, McCaskill began choking and Manchin ran to her aid. Although he was successful in saving his colleague, Manchin accidentally and unknowingly injured her rib in the process.

McCaskill said in a statement, "I'm really grateful to Joe — a little bit of sore rib for a couple of weeks is no big deal."

In spite of the scare, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, McCaskill was able to finish the day's votes in Washington and still attend an NAACP dinner in Missouri the same evening. She disclosed the injury to supporters at the dinner, and was able to keep her campaign schedule throughout the weekend.

Anything else?

Manchin and McCaskill are both seen as two of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats up for reelection this year, with Missouri and West Virginia's races both considered to be a toss-up at this point. In the 2016 election, President Donald Trump won both states by landslide margins.

McCaskill will likely face Trump-backed Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley in November, as she fights off critics who have accused her of being out-of-touch with Missourians because of her wealth. The senior senator is seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate.