Specter switching parties
Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, facing a tough reelection battle, announced today that he is switching from Republican to Democrat to seek reelection in 2010.
The stunning move could swing the balance of power in the Senate, giving Democrats the control of 59 seats. And if Al Franken, as expected, is seated in the Minnesota race, it would give Democrats a potentially filibuster-resistant majority of 60 seats and would help President Obama push through his agenda.
Specter said he has had growing differences with the Republican Party and when he was one of only three Republicans to support the president's $787 billion stimulus plan, the differences became irreconcilable.
"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said in a statement on his campaign website.
"When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing."
"Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable," he added. "On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania."
Specter goes on to say that he won't be a party-line vote for Democrats, just as he wasn't for Republicans.
"While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation," he said in his statement. "The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation."
At 79 and in his fifth term, Specter is one of a handful of Republican moderates remaining in Congress in a party now dominated by conservatives. Several officials told the Associated Press that secret talks that preceded his decision reached into the White House, involving both Obama and Vice President Biden, a longtime colleague in the Senate. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, as well as Democratic leaders in Congress also were involved, added the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details.
At a news conference this afternoon, Specter reiterated his statement, saying that the "Republican party has moved farther and farther to the right" and he found himself "more at odds" with Republicans and more in tune with Democrats.
He acknowledged that his prospects for winning the Republican primary were "bleak," but also emphasized that there are many priorities he wants to push, including more money for medical research, immigration reform, and Middle East peace.
"This is a painful decision," he told reporters.
He said he understands the dismay of some supporters, but said he's dismayed by some of the criticism pointed his way. "Disappointment runs in both directions," he said.
Specter also declared that he will not give up his independent thinking.
"I will not be an automatic 60th vote," he said, citing his continuing opposition to a Democratic bill to make it easier for unions to organize.
The AFL-CIO's legislative director, Bill Samuel, said that the labor groups looks "forward to continuing an open and honest debate" on the bill.
"This is a new day for the Employee Free Choice Act and labor law reform," Samuel said in a statement. "Sen. Specter has said all along that he recognizes the need to reform our broken labor law system and we will continue to work with Congress to give workers back the freedom to form and join unions..."
Angry Republicans said Specter was just looking out for his own political future.
Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, told reporters that the "defection" threatens to leave Obama's power unchecked by Congress.
He also noted that a recent poll found a majority of Americans want Congress to provide a check on Obama's agenda
Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele also warned of what Specter's shift could mean.
"Well, It has a big impact," he said on CNN. "There's no doubt about it. I mean, certainly in the Senate, this puts the Democrats one step closer to 60 votes, which is a huge problem, not for the party per se but for the country. To give one party control absolutely without the appropriate checks and balance in the Senate is problematic."
Steele also said that Specter did not give him advance notice which is "another form of disrespect that I don’t countenance. I mean, you know, at least give me a call or give the party leadership a call and let us know, this is what I'm thinking, this is where I'm going, so that, you know, it can be repaired."
He portrayed Specter's decision as purely one of political survival. "Senator Specter had very few options at this point," Steele told CNN. "He had stepped on the toes of a lot of Republicans with his vote to on the stimulus bill, which was a core principle for us in terms of our views on economics.
"And you know, admittedly, a lot of Republicans weren't happy about the end of the Bush administration in terms of putting in motion this bailout process. But to have the senator confirm that, really, you know made it tough. And so, I think he saw that tough primary challenges coming ahead for him. I think he also saw a tough re-election in a general election."
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine cast Specter's move as more evidence that Republicans have lost touch with Americans.
“Over nearly three decades in the United States Senate, Senator Specter has represented the people of Pennsylvania with honor, conviction, and an allegiance to deeply held principles that I know will continue to inform his decisions as a member of the Democratic caucus," Kaine said in a statement this afternoon. "Senator Specter courageously supported the President's economic recovery package while most Republicans played politics with our nation's economy. The Senator's willingness to set politics aside and be part of finding solutions to our nation's problems will find a welcome reception in the Democratic Party. Coming on the heels of Democrat Scott Murphy's victory in a Republican leaning congressional district in New York state, Senator Specter's decision is additional proof that the Republican Party is in serious trouble because it has lost touch with the American people and their desire for change which was so on display in November.
“As Senator Specter noted, the Republican Party has drifted far to the right and seems more interested in ideology, conflict and obstruction than in working constructively to address the nation's problems, and no longer appeals to moderates, including Senator Specter," Kaine added. "I commend Senator Specter on his decision to work with President Obama and Senate Democrats to help turn our economy around, create jobs and put the country back on the right track. We are thrilled to welcome Senator Specter into the Democratic fold and he can count on our full support."
Kaine later sent an appeal to 253,000 grassroots activists on the DNC email list in Pennsylvania asking them to welcome Specter, and sent similar requests via Facebook and Twitter.
"This is big," the DNC chairman wrote. "Senator Arlen Specter has just switched from the Republican Party. He's now a Democrat. A Republican for 43 years, Senator Specter has chosen to leave a party that he says has moved far to the right and join Senate Democrats as they work with President Obama to turn our economy and our country around."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Specter's move "very exciting, very exciting for the American people, because now we can get things done without explaining process."
"It shows that the country is going in a new direction," Pelosi said on CNN. "And we would hope to do that in a bipartisan way now with all of the diversity of thinking within our very independent-thinking party."
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama talked to Specter this morning and told him he was "thrilled" to have him join the Democrats. Specter said the president has agreed to campaign for him in the Democratic primary.
Vice President Biden issued a statement late this afternoon: “I welcome my old friend to the Democratic Party. Senator Arlen Specter is a man of remarkable courage and integrity. I know he will remain a powerful and independent voice for Pennsylvania and the country.”
UPDATE: The White House announced tonight that Obama, Biden, and Specter will make a joint statement at the White House on Wednesday morning.
Senator John F. Kerry welcomed Specter to the Democratic caucus.
"This is a big moment. When Jim Jeffords left the Republican Party, he was the canary in the coal mine warning of Bush era ideological excess, and Senator Specter’s decision eight years later signals its tipping point. This is now officially a Republican Party where moderates need not apply, and a Democratic Party under President Obama that welcomes all perspectives and is determined to find consensus to move America forward," Kerry said in a statement.
“Arlen Specter is guts and grit personified, and he remains as independent as ever. He’s always been a thoughtful voice on everything from science and research to twenty first century infrastructure, and I look forward to working with him in our Caucus.”
Americans United for Change, a labor-liberal coalition that is helping push Obama's agenda, also enthusiastically greeted Specter.
“Senator Specter’s announcement today ought to send a piercing message to the Limbaugh-Led Party of No that doing nothing but stand in the way of President Obama’s efforts to turn the economy around is serving only to further dwindle their numbers," the group's acting executive director, Tom McMahon, said in a statement. "Why? Because amid the worst economic crisis in generations, the American people want positive and constructive solutions from their representatives – not bitter “revenge” politics and more of same failed polices of the past. Senator Specter understands that. That’s why, despite the grumbling from his Republican colleagues, he put middle-class Pennsylvania families first and supported the President’s jobs and economic recovery plan.”
But some Pennsylvania Democrats aren't fully embracing their new colleague.
Representative Joe Sestak, who was preparing to run for the Senate nomination, didn't say he's giving up those plans now and said repeatedly that he wants to know what principles and goals Specter is running for, not what he is against.
"I'm going to have to wait," Sestak said on MSNBC. "Is that the type of individual we want to move us forward."
April 28, 2009
I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.
Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.
When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.
Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.
I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.
I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.
I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank especially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.
I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.
I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.
While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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Actually, even though a bunch of idiot Republicans are throwing him under the bus, by giving Democrats 60 seats in the senate (once Franken is seated), Specter is once again showing himself to be QUITE conservative and smart. The democrats are going to "reconcile" their new health reform, thus giving Republicans NO SAY in how health care will change in America. Now that Democrats will have 60 seats, Specter may be able to convince them to let conservatives have a voice. Then the new law will become permanent, not temporary like the one-sided Bush tax-cuts. Kudos to Specter and giving conservatives a voice. Sorry idiot republicans have no clue.
A true American hero!! Yea!! Dems now control the Senate. Can't wait to streamroll those dumba** Reps.
Sad to say I was coerced in writing this by El Globo censors. Tried to post a comment on another article re: Kennedy's health committee holding hearings on the swine flu and equating that with swine investigating swine.
Am I now politically correct!!
Why do so many people on these message boards assume all Republicans are crazy right-wing abortion clinic-blockading nuts?
I'm a perfectly normal, middle class, well-educated 22-year-old girl born and raised in Boston and working as a teacher for low pay in our inner-city schools. I go to church (Catholic) but I don't push it on anyone else. I believe in social and fiscal conservatism... but I don't insist that everyone does that, too.
And today I became a registered Republican.
Do I sounds like a far-right crackpot to you? I have legitimate views even if I don't lean to the "progressive" left.
Gotta take a bit of an unbiased perspective here (I know that's difficult for some of you left-and-right-wing wingnuts) and look at how the Republican party treated him. When he felt strongly about something and strayed from the ideals of his party, they threatened to get rid of him in 2010. His own party said "no get lost, I don't care if you've got tenure, you don't disagree with us." From that standpoint it sounds more like the Republican party is an unruly mob - look at the way they treat their followers! Disagree with Rush Limbaugh and apologize publicly immediately. Stray from the core values and suffer the consequences. That's really not right, and it's not what politics are about.
=============================
Excuse Me????
The Democrats ran Liberman out on a rail to try and get the left wing extremeist Ned Lamont in CT. A 787 B-B-BILLION spending package was pretty far off the reservation even for most establishment Republicans. If your not supposed to be punished for not adhering to core values than what are you supposed to adhere to?? Oh I forgot, you can become a liberal and feel your way through the politics of emotional whimsy.
He's not becoming a democrat now....he has been one all along.
Good for America and for Specter! It takes guts to defy the party of "NO"which is going nowhere.
I thought he was too busy investigating the Patriots SuperBowl win to worry about some thing so minor as politics..................
"It's sad. The Democrats and the likes of Specter will ruin our society only to have conservatives left to re-build it in another decade! Oh well, those who are ignorant to history..."
Posted by minnesoxfan April 28, 09 01:47 PM
In case you missed it, you conservatives managed to pillage this country and leave it for dead. For 28 years, your philosophy drove government. And drove this country into the ground. Finally, there's an adult in the White House, trying to repair the damage that you on the right have wrought. As you said, those ignorant of history are bound to repeat it. Americans ignored lessons about the damage done by 1920s conservatives when they elected Reagan and the Bushes.
If I belonged to a party whose spokesmen were Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh, and whose actual elected leader was forced to kowtow to the likes of Limbaugh, I'd leave too. Not surprising, Specter wasn't walking in lockstep with the GOP anyway. Will the GOP learn anything? Probably not.
Hey, maybe Mitt Romney can move to PA and run for Senate there?
Now we need Snowe to jump ship. Come on, Olympia, you know you want to!
To #93 - Claiborne Pell was DEMOCRAT and one of the best. But I agree with the Rockefeller type republicans. Although I am a life long Democrat, I did admire the Rockefeller type of progressive republican who actually cared and devoted their lives to helping others. It was the same with the old, moderate New England republican: a bit eccentric, with the tweed, elbow patch jacket, now turning in their graves at what has become of the party of Lincoln - racist, sexist, bigots, homophobes who will stop at nothing to restrict and deny equal rights for all those who do not adhere to their philosophy of hate.
This guy is an evil. He killed the Pats' Super Bowl of 2007 by using shamefully political way. So it's not a surprise that he could do anything scumful.
He's always been a moderate in a party that's pulling further and further way from the middle. Come over to the good side of the force. You'll like it. We're not arrogant money grubbing scumbags who only care about how much their rich pocketbooks are saving in taxes. TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS DON'T WORK!
The most dangerous person in the country is a right wing, hater, that wants to call everyone that disagrees with them a liberal. Lets wave the American flag over our way of thinking and call everyone else a terrorist sympathizer, that's the Republican way!
If he turns out to be a blue dog type who votes with the Republicans much of the time, this will have relatively little effect. The best part of it is that it will upset the right wingers, but that by itself isn't very meaningful
I may just be a small-minded optimist, but I think this is a sign of better things to come....when the meak become strong. Too bad for the rest of the republicans who aren't courageous enough to do the same for the betterment of the whole country, not just the wealthiest portion.
On that note, not all the republicans I know are wealthy - what is in it for them I have always wondered?
I, too, echo some of the sentiments expressed here about it being long past the time when voters need to vote out every incumbent and start fresh. There's not a single politician who couldn't be replaced by someone with fresher ideas and a willingness to say that neither political party truly represents the will of the people any longer.
That being said, I will not bemoan Spector's change of party as have some posters here. Spector hasn't exactly been a hardliner and, while I'm sure that it makes the poster who asked about the 530,000 Republicans who voted for Spector in his last election, people in PA have generally voted for the person, not the party. After all, if you use the 530K Republican logic, Santorum should still be in the Senate, right?
With the state trending moderate Democrat in recent years, it is unlikely that Toomey will actually stand a chance in the general election. Were that the case, the Bob Casey would have been seriously challenged by Toomey in his last election. Instead, Toomey will be nominated by the increasingly narrow-minded GOP leadership in PA, then go down to defeat in the general election against a well-respected US senator who goes his own way more often than not and is appreciated for NOT being a right-wing stooge like Toomey and his ilk have increasingly become.
he wants to keep his job.
This is typical. He is out for one person himself and what he can get in his pockets and for his benefit. He cares less about the people in Pennsylvania.
It is best he go with the dupes. Now there is space for someone with values and interest in America for Pennsylvania. They bought him!
Maybe he'll call for a national investigation into the Patriots again.
Should be a rule that if you are elcted as member of one party, you can not change unitl that term has ended.
Arlen Spector has been in office too long and will be replaced shortly in Pennsylvania. Just a sleezy move by a sleezy individual. Remember who he represented in Pennsylvania before he was a senator. A coward who murdered his girlfriend and then fled top France. We should replace 99% of all the senate and congress. Obama love him or hate him he is moving us in the right direction and I did not even vote for the guy.
Posted by Frank Healey April 28, 09 02:41 PM
Frank, you had so much so right until your last sentence. How is he moving us inthe right direction??? At best (or worst) he's mving us in the LEFT direction.
Every since the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings he has been a disliked man by most citizens who watched him at the time. Does not matter what party he belongs to, he is still a disliked man and politician who likes to grandstand. What a difference in character and substance he is compared to Joe Lieberman.
Self preservation. Nothing more, nothing less.
Wow, I have to say that I am enjoying watching the GOP implode far more than I thought. Looking at all the right wing nut jobs on this board, I'd say we are on course for a better America...finally!
Oh, btw, all you conservative whining babies.....it's supposed to taste like sh*t. Live with it, you made it.
I hope he maintains his independent streak and continues to vote as though he represents his STATE not his party - as all members of the Senate and House should but too often don't.
As a former republican I welcome him to the democratic party. The republican party is no longer the one of fiscal austerity and provides no leadership on energy independence, global warming and medical research. It's tragic these days that the only leader they have is a bitter talk show host who plays loose with the facts. But don’t underestimate the IQ of the people in this country - we are not as easily bamboozled as we were eight years ago by W or Rush or other like minded knuckleheads. Welcome Senator Spector!
He should be recalled by the people that voted for him as a Republican and there shoul be a special election. He can run as a Democrat if anyone in PA wants him.
Hey Techbook 103...run for office as a republican in Mass, that is a laugh. You are the typical brain washed dem with no good answer for any of the real issues and it is just easier for you to blame Bush and Wall Street. I am guessing you still believe everyone should own a home as well!! Get a clue...or just wait long enough and Obama will buy you one!!
Dems enjoy being on the top as it swings back your way. I am quite sure the Pubs will eventually be back in favor once people grow tired of the summer of lovers.
Independant thinker, voter here and I don't need hope or the party of no thank you.
#57
The only intelligent, sensible post on this board!!!
Well said Sweetheart!
After having to sit thru eight years of people like Bush and Cheney and what they have done to this country, can you blame him!! He's very smart and has always been his own man!! My check is on the way!!
Now if he apologizes to the PATRIOTS we will accept him!!
Stop the fight! You knew it was over when Republican TV talking point-potters started using the word "brand" after the word Republican instead of "party." last year. Republicans today are like Estelle Getty in a Golden Girls rerun: People only pay attention to them for the socially awkward punch line. Most Repbulicans
will be folded into a Clinton style Democratic party with a new liberal party forming in frustration. In addition, I hope, a more mature and intellectual conservative/libertarian group will emerge who will re-articulate conservative values and principles in a 21st century context and will attract new followers by appealing to hearts and minds instead of spleens.
Good for him. Any politician that acts with their convictions rather than party loyalty is one I admire. That goes for both parties.
The Republican party is such a mess. They really need to get their act together or fork off a couple of different parties. The conservative-white-religious-male constituency is no longer a meaningful block. BushCo shattered that group.
Claiborne Pell a Republican?? Come on #93, Senator Pell was a proud Democrat!!
"Party on Arlen!" -- Excellent.
Gotta love the Republicans who call themselves 'fiscal conservatives'. Another case of Rushbo's sheep regurgitating words, but not understanding (or caring) what they mean. There was nothing fiscally conservative about the GOP during Dubya's reign of terror. Somehow, Rushbo and the other GOP leaders have convinced the Joe-the-Plumbers of the world to vehmently oppose public sector bureaucracy (which would actually benefit JTP), and fervently support private sector bureaucracy (which ships JTP's job to China or India). In other words, you're against BIG GOVERNMENT, but you're being robbed blind by BIG OIL, BIG PHARMA, WALL STREET, et al.
Spineless.
I don't have a problem with a person changing parties for ideological reasons. I have a problem with hypocrisy, and self servers. Go back a few months and read/listen to some of this guys statements. Look at the current Penn. polls for his next election. This guy is the ultimate sleaze, and its amazing that 50% of the populace is pleased with this.
Spector wasn't too reliable as a Republican so he won't improve by changing to the Democratic party.
I think it's great, Maybe now something can get done in washington. The idiocy of the past 8 years has to end sometime. I am tired of the labels and who says who is a patriot. Unless we can get past that and start real dialog, we're sunk! I don't think it matters if you are Republican or Democrat as long as you display a willingness to work together on solving problems, NOT pushing one agenda.
I AM THRILLED WE GOT RID OF A COCKROA CH. SPLASH
This comes as a shock to whom? The Democrats? Specter was always a wolf in sheeps clothing. He is a coward. He changed parties not to be a Democrat...he changed with the hopes of getting re-elected. He'll be lucky to make it out of the Democratic primary.
Joseph, you are a tool if you think there was only a handful of people at the tea parties across the country. I how did Fox "mishandle" the event? What a moron! You do know that the Globe is going under, correct? You also do know that Fox has the highest ratings in tv next to all the other supposed news organizations as well, right? I think they have more viewers combined then NBC, ABC, CBS and CNN. So if anyone :mishandled" the event...I'd say it was the Globe. Cheers moron!
Funny that people blame Bush for the economic mess we are in.
The current problems with the US economy started with the Democrats and their politically-correct CRA program. This made a mess of Fannie Mae which then made a mess of the banks which then made a mess of Wall Street. Government intervention caused the economic meltdown! And it was the Democrats who not only let it happen, but profited from it as well (i.e. in massive campaign contributions)
The foolish, naive policies of the Democrats got us into this mess. And the outrageous spending of the Obama administration is going to make things much, much worse (and for years to come.)
I think it is called "Selling you soul to the Devil"
The venomous Republican disdain and contempt for anyone (including members of their own party) who is not 110% behind the reckless neocon agenda explains why the GOP is hemorrhaging support ... it has degenerated into nothing more than a fringe party run by rightwing extremists. Sit back, and enjoy ... looks like we ain't seen nothin' yet!!
no republican should be disappointed he left. good riddance.
I think the Republican predicament can be summed up as follows:
A Republican Senator parachutes out of an airplane and quickly realizes he can't get his chute to open. He tries the reserve shoot and that doesn't open either. He starts to feel a little panicky as he approaches the earth but right then he sees one of his fellow Senators also a Republican going up, just as he is going down. So he yells over to him saying: "Mister Senator, do you know anything about parachutes"? And his colleague replies, I'm afraid not. Do you know anything about Coleman Stoves?"
RE : "reckless neocon agenda"
As opposed to what? The agenda of the Obama administration?
Are you kidding me? The most radical administration we've ever seen is now in office. And they are the biggest spenders as well.
The Republicans will regroup and take back the political ground they have lost. That's assuming we still have a country left after the Democrats get done wreaking havoc.
He only did this to have another shot at staying in the Senate. He obviously would have lost a Republican primary. He'd join the Islamic Jihad Party if it meant he got to keep his seat. He's another political whore.
"Should be a rule that if you are elcted as member of one party, you can not change unitl that term has ended."
Posted by jimbo April 28, 09 03:29 PM
Would you have been willing to institute that rule in teh recent past when both Shelby (AL) and Campbell (CO) switched to the GOP right after being elected as Democrats?
Anyone who thinks that this move was done out of principle or because "the GOP has changed" is a fool and knows NOTHING about politics. He knew that he was toast in the next GOP primary, and that is really what this is all about. So he switched to a Dem and - VOILA! - the tough primary fight is gone, just like that! It is all about Specter staying in office, that is the ONLY reason he did this. It has nothing to do with principle or core values because remember, he's a career politician, so he has neither of them.
"The foolish, naive policies of the Democrats got us into this mess."
Posted by Libertarian Guy April 28, 09 04:54 PM
Right - because the Democrats and the liberals ran this country for the last 28 years, didn't they? Those socialists like Reagan, Bush I, Bush II, Cheney, Gingrich, Hastert, McConnell, Wolfowitz, Perle, et al. One problem, among a litany of them, with Republicans and conservatives is that they simply are not adult enough to accept responsibility for their actions - it's always someone else's fault. So a grownup gets elected and the immature right throws one tantrum after another, and whines "not my fault, he did it - yeah, him, that's the one..." Pathetic.
Only a few weeks ago his "pitch" was 'if you (Republicans who vote in the primary) don't vote for me, there will be a Democrat in my place' in the Senate next term. Guess he now hopes he was right.
All you libtards can't see that Specter is a political hack and is out to save his own hide, at any cost. He will switch parties to do it. Now he is your political hack...good riddance! Rush is loving all of this free publicity and his audience ratings are at their highest levels in 20 years...thanks libtards!
I could not be more happy, it was a crying shame to waste all that intellect and inner sense of ethics on the GOP! The GOP loved him until he put down the rubber stamp and started thinking with his own brain.
Go on, dittoheads, keep telling us "it doesn't matter"... all the way to the 2010 election when even more of the Party of No are dumped. You want bipartisan? Bring something to the table besides failed old recycled policies, "no", and "be very afraid", and then you can complain if nobody listens. Until then keep having your "focus meetings" on yachts and the rest of us will prepare for your ouster.
Funny so many of you are concerned about his age and think he should retire... funny you didn't say that about Strom Thurmond!
This isn't any run-of-the-mill pol - this guy has been an elected GOPer for 30 years! What does he know that the other Repubs don't?? Granted, it could be purely political, but with a 60-vote majority looming...WTF?
Good riddence to Specter. He was always voting agenst the Republicans on the reel core issues, like tax cuts for the rich, deregulation of Wall St, getting gunz in schools, stem cell reseerch, prayers in schoolz, homo marriage etc. We don't need him. We have Palin and Rush, and Glenn Beck and teabagging, so who needz him?
Blame the radicalness of the radical right for making the pendulum finally swing back to reasonableness. Welcome, Arlen Specter!
This is awesome. Now we'll be able to bankrupt the country in 2 years instead of 4.
It seems rather politically unethical regardless of party to switch parties while still in the Senate seat. Please keep in mind he obtained his seat in the Senate as a Republican. What about all the political donations made by people who campaigned or voted for him based on his party base? You don't just wake up one day and decide after 29yrs in public government as a republican that you now want to be a democrat. It is not like he is a "newbie". I say shame on him for misrepresenting himself to all those who supported him under a republican pretense. I would feel the same if it were a democrat as well. It is unethical while still in the Senate seat.
"Sometimes to re-build you have to burn down the house, if the Republicans are going to have any credibility in 2010." Posted by tictoc02026 April 28, 09 02:30 PM
Burn baby burn.
Specter a lying coward...whand now he supports O'bama's tax the hell out of the capable insanity? YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR CHILDREN"S CHILDREN will pay for this.
Turn off the tele-promptor and watch O'bama shut up...
Specter -- along with John McCain, Susan Collins, and Olympia Snow -- was among the few Republicans in the Senate who I respected. Welcome to the party of progress, of caring, of the middle class, Mr. Specter.
To #157 (i wont call you hippie if you don't call me warhawK)
You sound like a wondeful person...too bad you repeat the straw man about all Dems assuming all Republicans are "crazy right-wing abortion clinic-blockading nuts". But seriously...your party has becomethe stronghold for truly insane thinking..the serious, middle-of-the-road conservative Republican voices(like Senator Specter) have been trampled by a mad dash to the very far fringes of the right wing. Do you truly believe in all of the Glenn Beck/Rush Limbaugh/Michelle Bachmann hysteria that's become something of a litmus taste for being a Republican?
it's very simple...to all of the moonbats and conservatives he would not be re-elected so he turned coat. no surprise. typical politician that will do whatever they can to hold on. will be interesting to see if the moonbats in pa just fall in line and run him up the pole. hope so. the conservatives are truly better off without him and likewise to the moonbats. voted against card check. if obama and the lot make like they want him it's all a front. just like obama knew nothing about airforce 1 over new york. liar.
Good riddance ,he was nothing but a scumbag. He is the one that said no one should be able to switch partyies mid stream so it looks like he is liar on top of
being a jerk just because he was afraid of not being reelected. Goodby to the idiot
Looking at teh bitter angry ranting of the conservatives/Republicans, I can see why a moderate like Spector would leave. The truth is that the Republican Party has strayed so far from the centrist path of Ronald Reagan, that the concept of a "moderate" in the party has become a farce. I don't see that Spector had a choice and this board proves it.
A coward joining the party of cowards, good for him.
"Sometimes to re-build you have to burn down the house, if the Republicans are going to have any credibility in 2010." Posted by tictoc02026 April 28, 09 02:30 PM
You need to destroy the village to save it? Kinda like Vietnam. How'd that work out?
globezuks, "like Obama new nothing about airforce 1 over New York" is this the best you can do? sad, how about WMD,s, torture, 9-11 etc. etc......
He'll sell out the Democratic Party at some point as well, just wait and see.
Hey #224, for 8 years, we on the right have heard nothing but the same from your side, only louder. Why shouldn't we be screaming to stop the mess that Obama is sinking our country. Why shouldn't we be allowed to become bitter and angry just as much as you did? Just because your guy won? Should we just chuck our principles, our ideas out the door, just because your guy won? If you think so, say so. Don't beat around the bush about it. Reagan was never centrist, he was conservative through and through. Don't believe me, read his published diaries. Tell me, who are the moderates in the Democrat party? You'll find them waaaaaaay left of center from the Democrats of 30 years. Granted, half of those are still in the Party.
We get the type politicians that we deserve. Here is a case of a man abandoning the party he was elected from for the past 29 years, in order to further his personal interests.
Funny how there was no mention as to how far to the left the Democrats have moved. I guess that doesn't matter. The party is being taken over by extreme liberals and orgainzations like MoveOn.org.
Hopefully this move will cost him in the next election.
As an Independent I'm watching this from the sidelines. But I can tell that it isn't the GOP any more, it's degenerated into the WHO Party -- We Hate Obama. After 20 years of feeding themselves fairy tales about the way things "ought to be", and then seeing it all turn to garbage, WHO is all the GOP has left. Can't blame Specter for pulling out. He got tired of feeling the hate.
Ahh the rantings of the mewling mob, From what I am reading here this entire country is populated by either complete morons, or power mad imbeciles. My only comment, now with a filibuster proof majority in both houses, including a certifiable loon in Franken, The US can now run as smoothly, as openly and as transparently as Massachusetts. An age of clean politics, the death of nepotism, streamlined and fiscally responsible leadership, efficiency and honesty, it's a dream come true.
HIS BRAIN SURGERY REALLY WORKED !!!!!
Our friend Mr. Specter changed his party today because he wouldn't win his seat as a republican. He changed from a democrat to a republican way back when, because he could win as a democrat.
Mr. Specter is either a republican or democrat. He has this own special little party called Narcissistic personality disorder party. He like to believe that he is more important than he is. When he isn't getting enough attention, he pulls stunts like this one.
He needs to retire. I hope PA finally gives him his walking papers.
He might as well join the Democrakatics he would never been re elected on the Rupublican party... He is the same guy who wanted the Patriots Superbowl win over Philadelphia overturned!
Not hard to understand. Specter is a decent and sane guy who didn't want to share a party with venomous narcissistic kooks like Sarah Palin, so he started looking for an out, and the budget gave him one. Good for him.
This move is consistent with his political beliefs. Specter is too liberal to remain with the republican party. But, what did he wait so long to make his move?
You mean the party of the 6000-year-old-Earth believers is losing members? What about Sarah Palin's missile shield to protect her view of Russia?
How are we going to keep Wall Street swimming in Main Street's savings?
What about the legalization of torture?
How can we save all this? Let's try a GOP bailout! I've already raised 13 cents. Another hundred years should put this over the top.
It's times like these that I really wish there were no political parties in this country. This isn't government by the people for the people. It's government by the political elite for the political elite to perpetuate the political elite. We need term limits and we need them now.
Specter joins Pat Leahy Leahy as the latest embarassment to the US Senate while Kennedy has been an embarassment from day one.
Specter is a liar and a hypocrite - he was already a Democrat - now it's just official.
In a March 17th interview with The Hill, Specter said he absolutely would not switch parties:
" [Democrats] are trying very hard for the 60th vote. Got to give them credit for trying. But the answer is no.
I'm not going to discuss private talks I had with other people who may or may not be considered influential. But since those three people are in the public domain, I think it is appropriative to respond to those questions.
I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role, a more important role, to play there. The United States very desperately needs a two-party system. That's the basis of politics in America. I'm afraid we are becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party with so little representation of the northeast or in the middle atlantic. I think as a governmental matter, it is very important to have a check and balance. That's a very important principle in the operation of our government. In the constitution on Separation of powers."
Oh yeah, the tiny minority who rant on and still worship Bush say "who cares? we don't want him anyway!" Don't forget to squeal "nyeah, nyeah!"
Check in again when they attempt their first filibuster.
The GOP is and will remain LOCKED OUT of the process unless and until they can contribute something besides hysteria and "NO!". Good riddance to them, and welcome to Mr. Specter.
someone within the democratic party must know where his proverbial bodies are buried. if the guy from snl wins in the recount in minnie, specters conversion will give the dems fillibuster proof in the senate with 60 votes.
Bob Cardaci: "Spector" is a dope?
You can't even COPY his name right -- Specter -- from the article and dozens of posts.
Careful who you call dope until you learn to spell.
Let's see if he wins the Democratic nomination; he's still going to have a challenge for the nomination, albeit a much easier one. The general election is no gimme either. I'd love to see this political whore go down in the general election and have his "keep my seat at any cost" strategy blow up in his face.
Somehow, I think the Republicans who voted Specter in are being gypped. Their GOP candidate (weak as he was) has changed sides. Running for one party, taking contributions, accepting help from the Party, then switching to another. What's with that? If he's so dissatisfied, just quit altogether. If you can't to that, your motives are purely self-seeking. At 79, maybe the 5 term senator should retire.
If there was ever a great argument for term limits, this is it. Specter is SOLEY concerned about himself and his "legacy." What arrogance!
This is a cowardly chicken move. Spector is all about serving himself instead of the people he is elected to represent.. He is too old and too long in power to make important decisions for the people. Term limits?? It is time..This is a classic abuse of Politics..
He made a huge political mistake. A recall vote is already being established in his homestate of PA. He is going to be voted out before his time.
Closet Liberal!
the best senator is now the best of all. Welcome friend. Me casa is tu casa.
He's like Oswald heading to the USSR - a spy being duped by those in charge with their own agendas. Oliver Stone is going to turn this into a great flick.
Seriously, who cares. He's a used car.
Yep, the GOP shot themselves on this one with their intolerance for Specter's vote for the Recovery Act.