Specter Jumps Across The Isle
Written by: Tom Sawyer
“I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary,” said Specter in a statement. “I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.”
He added: “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.”
That is what Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter had to say about his switch from the Republican party to the Democratic Party. If nothing else, you have to consider this guy a survivor – he has been a Senator since 1980 and has survived cancer on more than one occasion. But this still seems to be a cop out of sorts.
Specter is probably comfortable in his role as Senator and all the perks that go along with it. Additionally, he wants to be on the ticket with the majority of voters in his state. If not, he could find himself looking at retirement or another occupation after the next election. He may say his philosophy is more in line with Democrats, but more than likely he is just smart enough to know where his bread is buttered.
He was behind in the polls and now he will have a better chance. His victory would give Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate assuming Democrat Al Franken is eventually sworn in as the next senator from Minnesota. Again, Specter must be pretty smart because that possibility is probably enough for the Democrats to give him their full support.
President Obama has already welcomed him with open arms. You gotta love (really hate) politics.
Tags: Change in philosophy prompts Specter switch, Democrats welcome Specter, Specter changes parties, Specter victory could create filibuster, Specters philosophy more in line with Democrats
April 30th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Specter has always been a very liberal republican and votes that way much of the time. The scary part is that it gives the democrats complete power to do whatever they want. I would be equally frightened if the republicans had total power. “We the people” has become “We the government.” It's a sad day in America when democracy dies. I think we are well on our way to that day.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:05 am
Conveniently…
Written by: Tom Sawyer diggtitle = ‘Specter Jumps Across The Isle’ [...]…