Senator Arlen Specter is jumping ship to the mighty D. Do you care? Are you upset? Thoughts...

Breaking: Arlen Specter to switch to Democratic party | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/28/2009 (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/from_the_source/Breaking_Arlen_Specter_to_switch_to_Democratic_par ty.html?cmpid=16339736)

He faces a primary challenge he can't win from Pat Toomey (Club for Growth) if he remains a Republican.

You mean he's finally going to admitt what he's been all along?

Believe me, this is no big loss for the Reps. Speculum was voting like a Dem all along.

However, he's going to lose his reelection bid even more badly now, which is good. And this just might bump PA over to the Republicans on Toomey's coattails, and as a backlash against Speculum.

I know many Dems that already vote for him Now he is going to get the rest just for that D next to his name.

What this means is the Dems will have a fillibuster proof majority when Frankenstein gets sworn in. They will not need to break rules and tradition with phony reconciliation procedures.

Here is the key part of his statement a few minutes ago.

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. http://politicspa.com/Specter%20Switches.htm?ref=fp1

Here is the key part of his statement a few minutes ago.

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.

Well, he's certainly right about that. He hasn't represented the Republican Party.

Elliot

What took him so long? Tom's right, this is about his primary job of getting re-elected.

I bet Cornyn feels like an A$$ going out on a limb and endorsing Specter over Toomey .
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/national-republicans-get-behin.html

I wonder what changes Specter will make to his ever shifting position on card checks now that he is in the party where unions rule.http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=587c6d43-f109-4d28-af4e-ebebd6844328


Does this mean the Republicans get to ex~Specter~ate ?

Tom,

From Speculum's statement:



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.



Like Ripley, I have to ask: "Believe it, or not?"

Yeah... if you believe what he says. The fact is that he will face a Dem primary challenge from the left if he doesn't drift even further in that direction.

He was pressured to make his flip on card check and thought he would get his a$$ kissed by the Republicans in exchange.

When he got at best luke warm support from them he decided to make his move. The only way he'll get the Democrat endorsement for his seat is if he votes with the administration in lock step.

The only way he'll get the Democrat endorsement for his seat is if he votes with the administration in lock step.

Even then he might not. From the perspective of a hard-core lib, why vote for an erzats dem when you can have the real thing? And Speculum is pretty much going to be an ersatz dem the same way he was an ersatz rep.

Elliot

Seems pretty opportunistic to change now. He even admitted he is switching because he can't win the Rep primary. At least the GOP still has some good moderates like Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and Kay Hutchinson.

Specter is just a coward looking out for Specter. Ace of Spades made a good point, that even that evil Phil Gramm did the honorable thing and resigned his seat and ran for re-election as a Republican. Specter just jumped ship because he was losing.

Hello:

Wow! Bummer, Dudes. You just went from being pretty damn irrelevant, to totally damn irrelevant. The Dems can have their way with you. Fairly too, according to tom.

Here comes card check, single payer health care, green energy policy, and a revolution in education. This must your worst nightmare. Poor righty's.

excon

Hello:

Wow! Bummer, Dudes. You just went from being pretty damn irrelevant, to totally damn irrelevant. The Dems can have their way with you. Fairly too, according to tom.

Here comes card check, single payer health care, green energy policy, and a revolution in education. This must your worst nightmare. Poor righty's.

excon

I take it you're now OK with one party rule... otherwise known as tyranny.

Hello:

Wow! Bummer, Dudes. You just went from being pretty damn irrelevant, to totally damn irrelevant. The Dems can have their way with you. Fairly too, according to tom.

Here comes card check, single payer health care, green energy policy, and a revolution in education. This must your worst nightmare. Poor righty's.

excon

Now the Dems can take full responsibility [?] and not blame Rush or the GOP, when their policies fail the American people.

Here comes more jobs going overseas or businesses going bankrupt because of union demands. Here comes rationed healthcare with longer waits. Here comes higher energy prices. Here is to another generation that is taught propaganda and the party line and not taught how to critically think; so much for tolerance for the diversity of ideas.

I can't wait for this socialistic utiopia to come to fruition :rolleyes:




G&P

I take it you're now ok with one party rule...otherwise known as tyranny.Hello again, Steve:

No, Steve. It's called WINNING an election.

excon

The GOP still has some good moderates like Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and Kay Hutchinson


I'm looking forward to the day that Snowe job and Collins are primaried out also. Why do they even pretend to be Republican ? Both of them along with Specter were the Republicans who voted for the biggest increase in spending in US History. He is somehow labeled moderate because he insisted that in return for his vote ,the bucket list remain below $790 billion?? To him that represented an achievement! If that's moderate then the Dems can have them .

His whole political career has been an example of this type of ship jumping for political expediency. He ran for Philly DA in 1965 as a so called "Kennedy Democrat " .But he switched parties to make his run from Dem to Republic. He came into the Senate on the coat-tails of Reagan and has spent his nearly 30 years there undermining the Reagan conservative philosophy.

As Rasmussen reported yesterday ;The disconnect between D.C. Republicans and Republicans throughout the country has been growing for nearly 20 years.

It's time for grass roots Republicans to reclaim the party if the party has any chance of survival .What good is the so called "big tent " when there is no room in it for the base ?

Hello again, Steve:

No, Steve. It's called WINNING an election.

excon

At the rate Obama is going the "revolution" is is in more than education. Government ownership in banks and automakers, government health care, "mandatory" volunteerism... sounds more like tyranny to me.

Yes tyranny... but excon ,who never before indicated favoring the planks being built on the good ship "sea change" ;now evidently supports irretrievable (as opposed to encroaching ) socialism in the form of ,nationalized healthcare, nationalized financial sector,nationalized energy sector , auto industry owned by the "workers" under direct government management , cap n trade obliteratation of industrial America... etc.

Specter is the posterchild for the case for term limits .

I'm looking forward to the day that Snowe job and Collins are primaried out also. Why do they even pretend to be Republican ? ...It's time for grass roots Republicans to reclaim the party if the party has any chance of survival .What good is the so called "big tent " when there is no room in it for the base ?Hello tom:

And, the Democrats will welcome them with open arms. You have hit the nail on the head, though. The Republican party is its base and nothing more, and that's all it WANTS to be. However, by limiting itself to such a closed circle, the Republican party is headed for the dustbin of history.

As it's presently constituted, with torturers and religious whackos, I couldn't be happier.

excon

The Democrats do not compromise with the middle. The lefty's took it over and have temporarily persuaded the middle to go along with their agenda.. . but they don't compromise on their issues. They have been unchanged since at least the late 1960s .

Reagan did not try to compromise with the middle. He persuaded them that his agenda was the right one. The secret is not in constructing a big tent and just assuming that if you become more like them you can win them over . The secret in leadership is to convince others that yours is a better way. The big tent was tried by the Republicans with the nominations of Dole ,and John McCain... and all it got them was defeat .

The Democrats do not compromise with the middle. The lefty's took it over and have temporarily persuaded the middle to go along with their agenda. .....

Reagan did not try to compromise with the middle. The secret in leadership is to convince others that yours is a better way.Hello again, tom:

You say the marker moved. I say the party moved.

I DO agree with your stand on principles, though. It's the principles that I don't agree with. I too wish my party (the nonexistent one) would adopt all of my off the wall ideas, and would discard anybody who believed differently...

However, I, as opposed to you, realize that a party like that wouldn't work. It's nonexistent for a REASON. Oh, don't think for a minute that "I" think my ideas are off the wall. Noooo. My ideas are mainstream Americana. It's just that Americana hasn't caught up yet. They will. My ideas are just coming into vogue.

But, the Republicans HAD their time - and it PASSED. It's gone, and it ain't coming back. Why?? Because YOUR ideas, as opposed to mine, have BEEN tried and have been repudiated.

Besides, I'm not lamenting the demise of MY ideas. They're beginning to be POPULAR, and they will prevail.

By the way, Ronny Raygun didn't believe what you think he believed. Here's what HE said, “We should emphasize the things that unite us and make these the only ‘litmus test’ of what constitutes a Republican: our belief in restraining government spending, pro-growth policies, tax reduction, sound national defense, and maximum individual liberty.

As to the other issues that draw on the deep springs of morality and emotion, let us decide that we can disagree among ourselves as Republicans and tolerate the disagreement.”

Wow! That's your guy.

excon

Yes ;when Republicans like Specter act like Democrats they do get repudiated . Specter left because the grass roots are wise to the game that the beltway RINOs play. Maybe the party is in disarray ,but Conservative principles are sound . When the Republican party recommits to them they will come back from minority status.

Maybe the party is in disarray ,but Conservative principles are sound Hello again, tom:

I don't disagree to this extent: In my view, torture, deficit spending, and spying on Americans AREN'T conservative principles. Because the base has embraced these policies, is the reason why I say the party moved to the right - not the marker.

In my view again, as soon as the Republican party recuperates from its temporary insanity, it has a GOOD chance at competing again.

excon

In case anyone is wondering why I keep calling him "Speculum", it's because a speculum is a medical tool used for body-cavity examinations.

Arlen, who is a total tool, seems to be stuck up the butt of the democrat party and is clearly full of $h!t, just like a speculum. The name fits.

Elliot

In case anyone is wondering why I keep calling him "Speculum", it's because a speculum is a medical tool used for body-cavity examinations.

Arlen, who is a total tool, seems to be stuck up the butt of the democrat party and is clearly full of $h!t, just like a speculum. The name fits.

Elliot

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/thrown_under_the_bus.JPG

In case anyone is wondering why I keep calling him "Speculum"Hello again, El:

Nobody's wondering. The party is purifying itself into oblivion - and you're leading the way.

excon

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/thrown_under_the_bus.JPG

NK, you post that as if we believed he was ever really on the bus.

NK, you post that as if we believed he was ever really on the bus.
Damn it, *another* republican liar. Kind of like those christians that aren't *true* christians the moment they do something bad. LOL!

Damn it, *another* republican liar. Kind of like those christians that aren't *true* christians the moment they do something bad. LOL!

Gee, NK, are you the only one at AMHD that didn't already know about Specter? You say that as if we believed he was a conservative prior to yesterday. You're little jabs might be amusing if we haven't been consistent, but as it is you're just firing blanks. Come back when you get some ammunition.

In case there's any doubt, NK, this is the Specter we know. One month ago he said, “To eliminate any doubt, I am a Republican, and I am running for reelection in 2010 as a Republican on the Republican ticket...I think the United States very desperately needs a two-party system. … And I’m afraid that we’re becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party.”

Yesterday he did a complete about face and gave the Dems the one-party domination he just supposedly feared. This is nothing new for Specter, he was a part of the original "borking" and he caved on porkulus. He has a long career of not standing for much of anything but Specter.

When I heard that this morning I was relieved AND thought 'What took him so long!'

I was thinking a year ago why hasn't he made the inevidible switch?

At the rate Obama is going the "revolution" is is in more than education. Government ownership in banks and automakers, government health care, "mandatory" volunteerism...sounds more like tyranny to me.

Lucky you all got your guns then for the big uprising.

In case anyone is wondering why I keep calling him "Speculum", it's because a speculum is a medical tool used for body-cavity examinations.

Arlen, who is a total tool, seems to be stuck up the butt of the democrat party and is clearly full of $h!t, just like a speculum. The name fits.

Elliot

Jokes aren't funny when you need to explain them :)

Lucky you all got your guns then for the big uprising.

Actually I'd hate to see our government in action if we didn't.

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive. ---Noah Webster

When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually... ---George Mason

Jokes arent funny when you need to explain them :)

I wasn't joking.

I wasn't joking.
OK my little speculum. :)

Politicians get voted into office by what they do and can sell themselves to the general public.
Word is that he was going to lose his senate seat by a superior Democratic candidate in the next election. So now he can either win or lose as a democrat in a primary. Its all up to him now. Sell or sleep

Word is that he was going to lose his senate seat by a superior Democratic candidate in the next election. Hello dap:

Actually, he was going to lose in the Republican primary to a right winger. He'll WIN the general election against that same guy. That's because the people who voted for him before, will vote for him again. They're Democrats now, too.

The Republicans have one thing to be happy about. Their party is getting purer and purer, and they love it!

excon

Yep Pat Toomey over Snarlin Arlen any day!

Harry Reid, in his effort to suck Specter's toes, promised him that he would retain leadership if he jumped parties.

This has upset many a Dem Senator who were in line for senior assignments and will get bumped in favor of Specter's preferences . There could be lingering resentment against Reid long after Specter loses in either a Democrat primary ,or head to head against Toomey. Specter may wish he had done what Leiberman did .

Harry Reid, in his effort to suck Specter's toes, promised him that he would retain leadership if he jumped parties.

This has upset many a Dem Senator who were in line for senior assignments and will get bumped in favor of Specter's preferences . There could be lingering resentment against Reid long after Specter loses in either a Democrat primary ,or head to head against Toomey. Specter may wish he had done what Leiberman did .

Yep, and all his recent donors are demanding their money back (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/30/donors-demand-refund-from-specter/).

LOL, as Allapundit said, "You know what would be really awesome? Having Cheney endorse him a week before election day. Comedy gold."

5DsEHhLK04s

The Dems are about to get a taste of Snarlin' Arlen, he's pulling for Coleman to win (http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/05/05/specter_wants_coleman_to_win.html).

Yep, and all his recent donors are demanding their money back (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/30/donors-demand-refund-from-specter/).

LOL they should have known better no matter what party he had claimed to be.
ALL I can say is GOOD RIDIANCE ! ITS about time!

How's that switch workin' out for you Arlen?


The Senate dealt a blow tonight (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/05/senate_democrats_deny_specter.html?hpid=topnews) to Sen. Arlen Specter's hold on seniority in several key committees, a week after the Pennsylvanian's party switch placed Democrats on the precipice of a 60-seat majority.

In a unanimous voice vote, the Senate approved a resolution that added Specter to the Democratic side of the daïs on the five committees on which he serves, an expected move that gives Democrats larger margins on key panels such as Judiciary and Appropriations.

But Democrats placed Specter in one of the two most junior slots on each of the five committees for the remainder of this Congress, which goes through December 2010. Democrats have suggested that they will consider revisiting Specter's seniority claim at the committee level only after the midterm elections next year.

"This is all going to be negotiated next Congress," Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), said tonight.

Specter's office declined to comment.

Without any assurance of seniority, Specter loses a major weapon in his campaign to win reelection in 2010: the ability to claim that his nearly 30 years of Senate service places him in key positions to benefit his constituents.

Tonight's committee resolution, quickly read on the Senate floor by Reid himself, contradicts Specter's assertion last Tuesday when he publicly announced his move from the Republican side of the aisle. He told reporters that he retained his seniority both in the overall chamber and in the committees on which he serves. Specter said that becoming chairman of the Appropriations Committee was a personal goal of his, one that would be within reach if he were granted his seniority on the panel and placed as the third-most senior Democrat there.

Specter, if granted seniority, would also be next in line to chair the Judiciary Committee behind the current chairman, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.).

Without that seniority, though, Specter, 79, would not even hold an appropriations subcommittee chairmanship in 2011, a critical foothold Specter has used in the past to disperse billions of dollars to Pennsylvania.

Too funny. Specter immediately took the lead in the polls over his former Republican challenger by switching - unless Ridge decides to jump in - and Rep. Joe Sestak is inclined more than ever to run (http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/05/joe_sestak_inclined_to_tackle.html) against him for his seat. Welcome to the fold Arlen.

Oh man if Ridge runs (I have no doubt he would win the primary) Specter doesn't stand a chance.

Ridge is one of the Republicans that the media loves... when they are out of power or not a threat. Like MCcain he is the quintessential "moderate " that gets on all the talk shows . But ,put in the Bush administration he was that fascist running the Dept of Homeland security scaring the beegeezus out of us with orange alerts. Out of power he returned to the rational voice of moderation.

The same thing happened to McCain. When he was a gadfly moderate giving Bush fits he was beloved by the media . Once he was the candidate ;he was an extreme Bush clone. Now that he's been defeated and is a member of that group of Republicans trying to make the party into Democrat lite, he is again in favor.

This is what I predict will happen . The press will champion Ridge if he takes on Toomey . But if he secures the Republican nomination he will be vilified by the same press.

This is what I predict will happen . The press will champion Ridge if he takes on Toomey . But if he secures the Republican nomination he will be vilified by the same press.

Without a doubt.

Ridge is as bad a joke as Arlen.

I heard today on the noon news that he lost his senority when he changed and the Dems promised him he would not lose his senority...
:) :)

Yep. It's hard to argue that you are the best candidate for the job because of your seniority if you don't have that seniority.

Serves the SOB right.

As IBD said today ;Before you sell your political soul you had best read the fine print Specter Clouseau.

IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Specter Clouseau (http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=326589537251056)

He just went from being the most unpredictable republican vote to the most unpredictable democratic vote now

... and the Dems seem to be sinking his ship now.

Dem .Rep. Joe Sestak,a former Navy vice admiral, said he's seriously considering challenging Specter in the Dem Penn primary next year .

Bwaaahaaaahaaaahaaaaaaa!!

Benedict Arlen is toast !

Ps AP is reporting the Ridge will not challenge Toomey.

Not only is there the threat of a Sestak challenge, MoveOn is flexing their muscles:

MoveOn moves against Specter (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22276.html)