Senator Carl Levin of Michigan is probably going to cruise to reelection in November. But it’s one thing to watch an opponent win based on who he is, and because his constituents genuinely prefer the record, views, behavior and standards that candidate sets. It’s another when he’s touted for his “carefully researched, thoughtful remarks” when his record is the opposite.

A new series of ads running in small-market Michigan newspapers are making sure voters in the state know what they’re sending back to Washington.

For example, did Michiganders know that Levin used his position to block the reappointment of Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? What was Pace’s sin?

(At the time, Levin said, “I found that the views of many senators reflected my own, namely that a confirmation hearing on General Pace’s reappointment would have been a backward-looking debate about the last four years.” Well, gee, you’re chairing the committee, Senator; you think you might have some influence about how that confirmation hearing would go? Think you might have some ability to sway that debate?)

However one feels about the Iraq War, don’t most Michiganders wish Levin had voted in favor of that resolution condemning MoveOn.org for calling General Petreaus “General Betray-Us” in a full page New York Times ad? Shouldn’t the Democratic Chair of the Armed Services Committee be among those saying, “this is beyond the pale”?

Don’t they think that when noncontroversial figures like Peter Flory and Eric Edelman were awaiting Senate confirmation for positions at the Pentagon, their nominations ought not be held hostage because of Levin’s unrelated fights with the Administration?

Because Levin is so far ahead in the opinion polls, it’s easy to picture some Michigan voters who otherwise might want to ensure his Senate seat remains Democratic being willing to cast a vote of rebuke against Levin, offering a ballot-box rap on the knuckles for bad behavior…