Specter faced the serious prospect of losing the Republican primary to Pat Toomey. Rather than face potential defeat, he chose the politically expedient. Nevertheless, Specter will try to paint this as an act of political virtue. Although I think Michael Steele sums it up accurately here:
Let's be honest-Senator Specter didn't leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record. Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don't do it first."
Of course, if it were really a matter of principle, Arlen could follow Ace's advice:
If you want to switch parties, that's fine but there's an honorable way to do that. Phil Gramm did it in the early 80's when he resigned so he could run as a Republican.
If Specter can't stand the idea of being a Republican, why not resign and let Rendell reappoint him? Or simply run for the seat against whoever did get the appointment?
Of course, he couldn't pass on one last chance to stick his thumb in the eye of the base.
I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year record in the Senate be decided by the Pennyslvania Republican electorate.
Classy!!
Senator Virtue has said that the switch will not change his position on Card-check. Of course he also said just weeks ago that he had no intention of switching parties while extolling the virtues of checks-and-balances.
Despite promises from Democrats now, Specter has to know there is a very good chance that he will face a a pro-labor Democratic challenger in the primary unless he changes his position. Anyone want to wager on whether Specter finds some reason to back-track to his original position in favor of card-check.
Bye-bye Arlen. We won't miss you.
That posted comment on having his record decided by the electorate was very cogent!
ReplyDeleteLazy Libertarian