Glenn Reynolds doesn’t think it’s appropriate for a Senator to jump the security queue at airports — especially a liberal populist Senator.

Senator Tom Harkin’s communications director explained that the Senator was

more worried about getting the job done for the people of Iowa than about getting a call from a gossip columnist.

But as Glenn observes, Harkin was heading home, not heading to a Senate floor vote. Sure, Harkin had a full schedule — but so did many others in line on their way to business meetings or family engagements.

Now, major airlines all have VIP programs where they help lucrative customers, celebrities, and some politicians avoid inconvenience. I don’t think there’s an airline criticism here — but rather a criticism of a politician who chooses to use this status. Each Member of Congress can certainly choose whether to avail themselves of privileges that are offered to them.

Senators who aren’t inconvenienced by security may be less likely to understand those of us who are — and do something about it. I’ll let Harkin off the hook if he becomes a chief spokesperson for TSA reform.