Hamilton says many people in Kansas view Schumer as 'polarizing'

Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton (D-Kans.) on Sunday said that many people in Kansas view Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as "polarizing."

"Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker asked Hamilton on NBC News about why the top Senate Democrat, who Hamilton has been critical of before, is not the right leader for the party.

"I mean no disrespect for Chuck Schumer," Hamilton told Welker. "And I've told him that as well. But I think, at least where I live in Kansas, he is kind of a polarizing figure."

Hamilton noted that his opponent on the campaign trail, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), "mentioned Chuck Schumer far more than he ever mentioned me. It was, like, 17 or 18 times." He said that Kansans "perceive [Schumer] to be further to the left, and somebody who's a divisive figure."

"What I'd be looking for is a leader who can lead from the center," the Kansas Democrat continued. "Somebody who can bring Republicans and Democrats together, somebody who can bring the various factions in the Democratic Party together. Somebody with fresh ideas."

He repeated that he meant no disrespect to Schumer, but said "it feels like it is time fo...