JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill's decision not to support Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) for senate minority leader indicates a possible gubernatorial run in 2016, according to MU Political Science Professor Peverill Squire.

Squire said her opposing Reid aligns with Missouri constituents after the results of the November midterm elections.

"The decision to not support the reelection of your long-time leader is not something that is done lightly," Squire said. "But from McCaskill's perspective, it sends a signal back to her constituents that she's independent to some extent of the democratic leadership and that would position her both for running for governor in 2016 or for reelection in 2018."

McCaskill announced Thursday she will not support Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada in the race for senate minority leader.

Despite not having McCaskill's vote, Senate Democrats elected Reid as the senate minority leader Thursday for the next congressional session beginning in January. Reid currently serves as the senate majority leader, but after the November midterm elections, the democrats lost their majority to the Republicans.

McCaskill, in her second term, announced her opposition to Reid, who has led the Democratic party since 2005. Before the senate leadership votes, she said she chose not to vote for him because that's not what the citizens of Missouri want.

"Yesterday, I met with Harry Reid and told him I would not be supporting him for Minority Leader," McCaskill said in her statement. "I heard the voters of Missouri loud and clear. They want change in Washington. Common sense tells me that begins with changes in leadership."  

McCaskill could not be reached for comment.