Sources have confirmed to RedState.com that Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has decided to switch parties from Republican to Democrat..
Multiple House and Senate sources are telling RedState that Specter has concluded there is “no way he can win” a contested Republican primary in Pennsylvania, and that an announcement of his intent to switch from Republican to Democrat could come as early as today.
A “moderate” Republican, Specter has long been at odds with mainstream Republicans on spending and life issues, as well as several other positions. This February, Specter was one of only three Republicans in the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of President Obama’s (D) $787,000,000,000.00 “stimulus” spending bill. No House Republicans, and not all House Democrats, supported the “stimulus” legislation, and Specter, along with Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, provided the GOP votes that enabled the measure to pass the Senate and be signed into law by Obama.
Specter is being challenged for his Senate seat by former Club for Growth president Pat Toomey. Sources say the decision to switch from Republican to Democrat was fueled in large part by a realization that he could not defeat Toomey in the 2010 Republican primary election.
Update: hogan has Specter’s statement.
Update 2: Just over a month ago, Specter told The Hill “I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role — a more important role — to play there. I think the United States desparately needs a two party system. It is the basis of politics in America. I think each of the 41 Republican Senators, in a sense, and I don’t want to overstate this, is a national asset, because if one was gone you would only have 40. The Democrats would have 60 and they would control all of the mechanisms of government.”

Good riddance...
psyop_hic Tuesday, April 28th at 12:11PM EDT (link)RECALL IMMEDIATELY!!!
“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” - George Orwell, Politics and the English Language, 1946
Exactly (clearing throat)
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 12:28PM EDT (link)They elected a Republican. recall his nasty self! They’d be missing a golden opportunity. The Dems will take him for now. But he’ll vote against them too much ,and blam he’s done.
Maggie in Indiana
Specter will vote the Democrat party line
Princeliberty Tuesday, April 28th at 3:08PM EDT (link)Forget this moderate nonsense.
Specter going to carry Obama’s water all the way as a Democrat.
They have found a good loyal Democrat in Specter.
Princeliberty
I hope he does
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 3:10PM EDT (link)That then completely destroys his credibility in the future, and we can run against him as a rubber-stamp of the President.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
US Constitution Forbids Recall
Old_Dominion Tuesday, April 28th at 1:03PM EDT (link)of federal office holders. See Thornton v. US Term Limits.
Recalls are bad news anyway
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:05PM EDT (link)California had a famous one. We got a Specter as Governor as our reward. Schwarzenegger is actually worse on spending than the guy we recalled.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Voting for RINOs is a bad idea.
Princeliberty Tuesday, April 28th at 3:12PM EDT (link)Arnold and Specter prove voting for RINOs is a bad idea.
I told you so - all the you have to be pragamatic and vote for Specter - back in 2004.
What did that get us.
And what has supporting Arnold over McClintock in 2003 gotten us.
Hey, if a Democrat had won in 2003.
With all the mess in California - if it all could be blamed on Democrats - the Republican party would be roaring back to life in 2010.
But thanks to Arnold it will be lucky if it does not lose anymore ground.
Princeliberty
Strongly *Disagree*
IJB Tuesday, April 28th at 3:39PM EDT (link)Recalls are one of the best so-called “progressive” reforms that were even put forth.
If we could recall U.S. Senators, that chamber would be a very, very different place.
(And, I’m sorry - the idea that Schwarzenegger is “worse” than Gray Davis is ridiculous!)
Didn't know that,but
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 1:37PM EDT (link)but this what I found in a quick search in two different places..
For US Senators
“The 18 states allowing for recall are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.”
Maggie in Indiana
Have any of these recall laws been tested in court?
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 1:43PM EDT (link)If not, my understanding from past discussions I’ve read is that the federal courts would strike them down if a recall election were to be scheduled.
And Rightly So!
Recall laws are only applicable to state
Old_Dominion Tuesday, April 28th at 2:35PM EDT (link)offices. In Thornton, the SCOTUS held:
[D]elegates to the Philadelphia Convention…presumably did not want state legislatures to be able to tell the Members of Congress from their State, “Vote against Bill A or we will slash your salary”; such a power would approximate a power of recall, which the Framers denied to the States when they specified the terms of Members of Congress.
So what we need to do...
psyop_hic Tuesday, April 28th at 2:56PM EDT (link)…is repeal the 17th Amendment so as to give the power that the Framer’s intended back to the state legislatures.
“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” - George Orwell, Politics and the English Language, 1946
There is no
BlueLandRed Tuesday, April 28th at 1:49PM EDT (link)recall for federal officials. It simply can’t be done without amending the Constitution. The only option to kick them out is impeachment.
What you found are states that allow state office holders to be recalled.
21% republican approval rating
path Tuesday, April 28th at 1:43PM EDT (link)title says it all……….
help a conservative Republican running
Princeliberty Tuesday, April 28th at 3:16PM EDT (link)Right now is the time to help out whoever you think the best of the Republican candidates running in 2010 to now take on Specter.
I understand Toomey may not be the only one running.
But in any case helping the opposition is what needs to be done.
Also, no one should call him a moderate. He never was he always supported bigger government and was hard core in his support for abortion and other left wing social stances.
And he always was bigoted against Christians.
He is a hard left bigoted liberal.
Princeliberty
Will Lynn Swann run?
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30PM EDT (link)nt
Fox News Channel is running it now
bk Tuesday, April 28th at 12:12PM EDT (link)Surprise!
Thomas_Hauber Tuesday, April 28th at 12:12PM EDT (link)Not really. He never even qualified for the RINO definition.
Good riddance. Take Snowe and Collins with you.
SteveM Tuesday, April 28th at 12:15PM EDT (link)Here’s the statement:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html
“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.”
Let’s take a second to address the BS that Specter fronts above. The common meme is that the GOP is now a far-right organization.
Bullsh1t. It’s the same as it ever was - keep spending low (although Bush and the last Congress blew that), keep government small (Bush blew that one as well), opposition to abortion, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-individual.
Who’s really made the move? The democrats. Way to the left. It’s a lie to say the GOP is now pandering to the most foul parts of its base. The real truth is that there are no Scoop Jackson democrats anymore. Now all we have are Nancy Pelosi democrats. So which party is the one that’s moved away from itself, again?
I wish the Republicrat Party was governing from the right...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 12:36PM EDT (link)Dems ACT Conservative to get elected and govern liberal…Republicans act liberal to attract “Moderates and independents” and govern liberal as well!
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Don't forget about McCain!
its_a_right_wing_thing Tuesday, April 28th at 3:43PM EDT (link)SteveM,
I agree with the Snowe and Collins comments but don’t forget ol’ RINO McCain and dare I say, Graham (even though the FOXNEWS quote I read from him had him blasting the Specter defection). Seriously though, McCain. If you can’t get your own daughter to vote for the party you supposedly represent, what does that tell you?
Many good things will come out of this Specter situation and the Republican Party will be stronger in the end.
First, the PA GOP can now all rally behind Toomey for 2010 instead of a good man not even being able to win the nomination since incumbents are perceived to have the upper hand.
2nd-the National GOP can now give all their money to Toomey instead of giving it to Specter as I had read here that Coryn had been planning to do.
3rd The Republican party can now begin to weed out the “moderates” and move further to the right, thus uniting under one true platform of real, true conservative idelas instead of always having to compromise just to get Snowe. Spector, and Collins’ votes.
4th Maybe the GOP will learn from this and quit supporting moderates just because they are incumbants and get back to basics and their conservative base? Maybe they will nominate true conservatives and no more RINOS!
Where does Rick Santorum stand in all this? Is it too late to possibly run him in 2010? Could a united PA GOP base actually beat Specter or once a blue state, always a blue state?
Good riddance. Take Snowe and Collins with you.
SteveM Tuesday, April 28th at 12:15PM EDT (link)Here’s the statement:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html
“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.”
Let’s take a second to address the BS that Specter fronts above. The common meme is that the GOP is now a far-right organization.
Bullsh1t. It’s the same as it ever was - keep spending low (although Bush and the last Congress blew that), keep government small (Bush blew that one as well), opposition to abortion, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-individual.
Who’s really made the move? The democrats. Way to the left. It’s a lie to say the GOP is now pandering to the most foul parts of its base. The real truth is that there are no Scoop Jackson democrats anymore. Now all we have are Nancy Pelosi democrats. So which party is the one that’s moved away from itself, again?
The GOP moved left
tankertodd Tuesday, April 28th at 12:18PM EDT (link)Bush’s profligate spending turned our party into Democrats-light. And it opened the door to the open looting of our children’s future we see today.
Let us join the battle, and right soon. In case of defeat I need time to find a new country to emigrate to (or start my own!).
———————————
The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race - Chief Justice Roberts
Wonderful news. Here's your David Spade "Buh-bye."
tankertodd Tuesday, April 28th at 12:15PM EDT (link)nt
———————————
The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race - Chief Justice Roberts
Thank You Bush And Santorum
DavidSage Tuesday, April 28th at 12:16PM EDT (link)You guys are the reason Specter got the nomination over Toomey last time.
Never trust a RINO. I think he saw the writing on the wall, and knew he was going to be beat by Toomey in the primary.
Right On!
workingclass Tuesday, April 28th at 12:50PM EDT (link)Amen! Glad someone pointed this out. One of the most balloon headed things Bush did. It baffled me at the time and then the first thing Specter did was stab him in the back on the next major vote after the election.
The RNC’s and RSCC’s support of this guy is the reason they don’t get a dime of my money to this day.
Toomey lead in the polls...
mikedaire Tuesday, April 28th at 12:53PM EDT (link)…by 21 percentage points, according to this from Rasmussen: http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/pennsylvania/election_2010_pennsylvania_republican_senate_primary
That poll is the Republican Primary
mbauer Tuesday, April 28th at 1:52PM EDT (link)…
You're correct...
mikedaire Tuesday, April 28th at 3:03PM EDT (link)…I should have stated that. And is why Specter is jumping ship - he would never have survived the primary.
Look what it got Santorum...I'm sure he lost votes in his reelection for that bonehead move!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 12:55PM EDT (link)nt
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Not a fighter, is he?
Flagstaff Tuesday, April 28th at 3:42PM EDT (link)Cut and run is his style. He’s now in his element.
Obama is the same regarding the interrogation memos and pictures. “Don’t fight; we might lose.”
Pluto, the Ninth Planet - Forever!
Can't wait to hear from all you damned "experts" who called to continue support of this traitor.
USNJIMRET Tuesday, April 28th at 12:19PM EDT (link)Or, you could man up and just admit how very very wrong you were.
Dont hold your breath
kyle8 Tuesday, April 28th at 12:59PM EDT (link)they won’t come out of the woodwork for a while.
“Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty”
Kyle
No job prospects outside of politics for Specter?
Old_Crow Tuesday, April 28th at 12:19PM EDT (link)Since his chance of winning in the next Republican primary was looking slimmer by the month, he’s realized he’ll either have to start working for a living finding a real job outside of politics or whore himself out to the democrats.
It will be sweet to see him lose as a democrat next election.
“Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.” — James Madison
“So this is how liberty dies.. with thunderous applause” — Star Wars III
That presumes he wins the primary
JoeG Tuesday, April 28th at 1:20PM EDT (link)“It will be sweet to see him lose as a democrat next election.”
Are the dems of Penn. in love with him? Will they run a real dem against him?
Yes. No. -nt-
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 1:32PM EDT (link)And Rightly So!
guess he couldn't take being criticized...
DONTREADONME Tuesday, April 28th at 12:19PM EDT (link)Can someone tell me when a Democrat crossed the isle to become a Rebulican? Good riddance to bad rubbish.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
Not since 1994, I think (n/t)
Finrod Tuesday, April 28th at 12:22PM EDT (link).
—
Finrod’s First Law of Bandwidth:
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it takes the bandwidth of ten thousand.
To Answer Your Question, It Happened a Lot in '94-'95
IJB Tuesday, April 28th at 12:24PM EDT (link)On the Senate side, Shelby of AL switched from D to R.
In the House, there were about a half-a-dozen southern Dems who switched to the GOP in 1994-1995. There was some of that on the state legislature level around the same time as well.
Since then, not so much…
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, not sure of the year. NT
USNJIMRET Tuesday, April 28th at 12:25PM EDT (link)He Was The Other One, Along With Shelby (nt)
IJB Tuesday, April 28th at 12:26PM EDT (link)thanks, for the answers
DONTREADONME Tuesday, April 28th at 12:27PM EDT (link)I new Ds went to Rs but I could not remember the last time that happened. Could say these guys are wishy-washy and want to be part of the winning team.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
There have been a few...Specter included I think...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 12:58PM EDT (link)Shelby is another…there were several Congressmen after the 1994 elections including Ben “Night Horse” Campbell.
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
A RINO WHORE!
Tbone Tuesday, April 28th at 12:22PM EDT (link)Good riddance.
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
To the Dems, he'll always be an R...
harlan Tuesday, April 28th at 12:24PM EDT (link)If he’s looking for gratitude from the Dems for his continuing subversion of conservative principles, he will be sorely disappointed.
Just like McCain, they throw him under the bus so fast he won’t have time to duck.
It'll Be Interesting To See Whether The Dems Will 'Clear The Field' For Specter
IJB Tuesday, April 28th at 12:29PM EDT (link)My suspicion is that they won’t try very hard, and that Specter will get a challenge in the Dem Primary from The Left. And if that happens, I’d say the odds are pretty decent that Specter will lose.
So, yeah - Specter may have just gotten taken for a ride. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy…
No. I think there's a Deal involved.
Section9 Tuesday, April 28th at 12:50PM EDT (link)This gives them the 60 seats they wanted with Franken. If Specter plays ball and votes with leadership, no primary challenge. But he has to resign midway through his term due to reasons of health so Rendell can put in a stooge.
I guarantee you that’s the deal.
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”-Winston Churchill
This has been in the works for some time
WarEagle01 Tuesday, April 28th at 1:11PM EDT (link)Probably since Specter got served cookies by Bambi during the Super Bowl. Chris Matthews and his Leg are probably not too happy about it, though. Weren’t they planning on running in next year?
“A wise, doughy leg with rich tingly experiences will always reach better conclusions than will a more tanned, muscular leg that hasn’t felt those thrills.” –Chris Matthews’ Leg
Rendell is on his way out
kat Tuesday, April 28th at 1:39PM EDT (link)We will elect our new governor during the same race that will (hopefully) replace Specter.
“Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” Thomas Jefferson
Join the RedState Strike Force
Deal is breaking on Drudge right now...
psyop_hic Tuesday, April 28th at 3:12PM EDT (link)… Obama has promised to campaign for Specter as a Democrat against Toomey… http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D97RKV800&show_article=1
“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” - George Orwell, Politics and the English Language, 1946
I Don't Think They Can Keep a "Committed" Leftie Out of The Primary...
IJB Tuesday, April 28th at 3:45PM EDT (link)…Even if they wanted to.
I do think some sort of “deal” was involved, but I doubt it covered all eventualities.
My guess is that MoveOn types will field someone against Specter which the Dem party leadership will publicly “oppose”, but they will probably do nothing to stop MoveOn and DKos types from supporting the Leftie challenger.
IOW, I suspect they’ve sandbagged Specter with “a deal that’s not really a ‘deal’”.
NOT SO FAST. OBAMA GAVE HIS NOD TO SPECTER!!!! THE ONE HAS MADE A WISH. THE ZOMBIE LIBS will surely follow. nt
Rod_Patrick Tuesday, April 28th at 1:34PM EDT (link)This is assuming that O's approval ratings stay high through next year...
conservativemusician Tuesday, April 28th at 3:57PM EDT (link)And with the economy the way it is now, this is no guarantee. Just heard on Rush today that GWB had a higher approval rating with the Gallup poll than The One at this point in his presidency. Cool, huh?
I don't want to rely just on that. We need to find our voice and winning issues.
Rod_Patrick Wednesday, April 29th at 7:55AM EDT (link)Waiting for the economy to tank and blame the same to Obama and somehow expecting the people to return to our side is just way too lazy IMHO.
We may win. Yes. But we’ll just go back to the days of the Bushes. It’s just like “choosing the less evil” strategy, which is the main indicator of the malaise in this society…. unprincipled and ignorant voters.
We must re-establish a Reaganesque culture in our society such that almost every American really believes in Conservative principles of governance, regardless of the circumstances.
Having a hard time
Jonah Shumate Tuesday, April 28th at 12:26PM EDT (link)Figuring out if his district was “going Democrat” as his motus operandi or if he is just scared of losing.
I am surprised by such a desperate act.
Obama was to have said, “We are thrilled to have you”, per Fox just now… I wonder if he will say that in November 2010….
Senate is a state wide office...no district involved...nt
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:03PM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Mark Hemingway at NRO nails it:
Lammo Tuesday, April 28th at 12:26PM EDT (link)“I read that he was switching parties, but I was disappointed to learn that he’s still a Democrat.”
From The Corner at National Review Online.
Made me laugh out loud.
ACORN: Association of Criminals Obama Represented in the Nineties. (jupitersuite)
Don’t be so open minded that your brains fall out. (Fr. John Corapi, SOLT)
Crime never takes a holiday. (Dennis J. O’Shea, R.I.P.)
Unlawful is against the law. Illegal is a sick bird. (Ooold joke)
Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. (Groucho Marx)
I about peed on myself when I read that
bk Tuesday, April 28th at 12:47PM EDT (link)Was going to post it here but you beat me by 20 mins.
That's hard to do out here in the West
Lammo Tuesday, April 28th at 12:54PM EDT (link)I find I’m always many hours behind the fun parts of RS posts. I laughed so loud people down the hall wondered what was wrong.
ACORN: Association of Criminals Obama Represented in the Nineties. (jupitersuite)
Don’t be so open minded that your brains fall out. (Fr. John Corapi, SOLT)
Crime never takes a holiday. (Dennis J. O’Shea, R.I.P.)
Unlawful is against the law. Illegal is a sick bird. (Ooold joke)
Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. (Groucho Marx)
Is anyone working this afternoon?
olsmithie Tuesday, April 28th at 2:33PM EDT (link)Loved the quote.
Regards
LOL!!! nt
mom2oneson Tuesday, April 28th at 1:02PM EDT (link)This Is Not Good
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 12:27PM EDT (link)This is scary. People shouldn’t be too thrilled. There is nothing to hold him back now. If he were at least running in the GOP primary, he’s have to throw the Right a few bones (EFCA, judges, national security).
Not Dead Yet!
Won't matter
Thomas_Hauber Tuesday, April 28th at 12:30PM EDT (link)He did his own thing anyway. If he cared what his constituents thought he would not have support Porkulus.
This just assures the fact that Toomey will be the nominee.
You don't know how much the Rep party reigned him in. nt
Common_Cents Tuesday, April 28th at 2:26PM EDT (link)“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
Recall!
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)If they have the guts,or he’ll vote against the rest of the term.
Maggie in Indiana
Never mind
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 1:00PM EDT (link)Pennsylvania has no recall provision. So we are screwed,no way he’ll vote against card check or nationalized healthcare now. Not that he was going to any way. It just sounded so good. I think we have a problem,with no good answer.
Maggie in Indiana
Oh no! They might pass the Porkulus! Oh wait... (nt)
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 12:54PM EDT (link)Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
He Was a Mush
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 12:59PM EDT (link)But he held the line ona couple of things. You can cut spending later. Porkulus is no wher near as fatal, an I mean fatal, as EFCA. We will never be able to outraise Dems; their organization and ground game will be that much more superior; they will gain millions of voters; businesses will be crushed. Why is that so cool.
Not Dead Yet!
Don't fret
kyle8 Tuesday, April 28th at 1:01PM EDT (link)we will be stronger for it.
“Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty”
Kyle
I don't buy it
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:02PM EDT (link)I don’t know why you’re insisting on telling us that we have to be scared, but I’m ont buying it.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Because Liberals Suck
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 1:05PM EDT (link)We no longer have a fulibuster. I live in a one party state where Reps have no recourse. Its easy to act likea yahoo on some message board. But when those radicals are lined up for judicial spots, I’ll even take a moderate if it will stop the forced busing/gay marriage lunatics from fillings our benches for thrity years.
Not Dead Yet!
We already *didn't* have a filibuster
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:08PM EDT (link)I think you’re detached from fact and history if you think Specter was ever a reliable vote, especially against left-wing judges.
Specter wasn’t ever a moderate. He’s a full-throated, pro-mass-infanticide weasel.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
He's on the Record Against the EFCA
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 1:13PM EDT (link)That’s important to me. I dont know. I hope he stays that way, but I doubt it. I fight for my country. I fight for issues. In 2012, Republicans will slaughter Dems in the Senate. In 2010, I’d like to pick up a seat or two. There are dozens of Dems in Red states and that is an abomination including Arkansas. The goal is how to get from 4/28/09 to 2010 with the least amount of damage. I will personally go to Nebraska and grovel at Ben Nelson’s feet if that’s what it takes to stop EFCA. I’m not playing cowboys and indians. This isnt Red Sox versus Yankees. I dont care about cheerleading and vendettas. I want EFCA STOPPED>
Not Dead Yet!
Then quit doomsaying Republican chances and get to work :-) (nt)
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:22PM EDT (link)Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
I Am Working
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 1:29PM EDT (link)I dont care about 2010 races yet. I am working on stopping Right To Work states from turning into Michigan and Massachusetts.
When those Toyota plants and Saturn plants down South and Walmart goes union and all those union dues are funneled in Dem races and all those thugs are standing outside polling places and intimidating voters and when the odds of winning down South and out West are as good as winning in Philly, Mass, and Mich. maybe some people will get the picture.
Not Dead Yet!
Southerners are different
JoeG Tuesday, April 28th at 4:21PM EDT (link)The N.E. is full of disarmed wimps.
Try that outside the polling places in the south and you’ll find out how many gun owning rednecks there are.
Heh, I'd bring a lawn chair just to watch...
EvanWeeks Tuesday, April 28th at 4:31PM EDT (link)… the carnage. Better than UFC.
EvanWeeks - Dad. Conservative. Patriot.
JoeG
mom2oneson Tuesday, April 28th at 4:37PM EDT (link)I live in a very republican area in the south and I saw a lot of volunteer lawyers that were here from SC escorting elderly black women and their *entire* family to the front the back to the front of the voting line. I didn’t see the same offers of help go to elderly white men or white women with babies to the front of the line. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. There are a lot of retired military here so there were a lot of elderly men in line. I think elderly people should go first and maybe one adult that is with them but not an entire family and why were they only assisting black families?
"Bush sucks" didn't work for the Dems in 2002 and 2004...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:18PM EDT (link)“Dems suck” didn’t work in 2006 and 2008…and i9t won’t in 2010.
We have to stand for something so people can believe in us…Specter and his RMSP buddies stand in the way of that…
Good to see him go…let’s see if the Caucus has the good sense to take him off his committees in the mean time and put our own there!
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The GOP reaction will be very important,
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 1:11PM EDT (link)if they react as though it’s a big blow,then the party looks weak,If they react relieved to shed the “mushy” members then we may just show we are serious about returning to the party of Reagan. either way we are still going to have an up hill battle in 2010. These tea parties are a good start and sites like this one are such a good source for the those who have questions on what party lines really are. Yep,it’s a concern Spector jumping ship,but it will be worth it in the long haul. for the party anyway. Ummm. Interesting to see how this shakes out for the next few weeks.
Maggie in Indiana
LOL...Bravo!!!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:10PM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
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Wouldn't matter a bit...he's where is heart has always been now and good riddance...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:06PM EDT (link)Wonder what the “Republican” Main Street Partneship will say about this since they’ve lost yet another of their members!
Their ranks are thinning fast over there. I guess Republicans running as Democrat lite isn’t working so well for them!
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My thought when I first heard
Steph C Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30PM EDT (link)was almost an echo of Alan Colmes quitting the Hannity and Colmes show… “My work is done.”
In other words he’s done all the damage he can do to the Republican Party as a Republican so he’s going home now because he’s needed to push the progressive agenda further than it’s ever been pushed before.
“[I]f the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them.” –Candidus in the Boston Gazette, 1772
Hillbilly Politics
The dirty little secret is the only reason he's a Republican in the first place...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 7:12PM EDT (link)is because the Democrats wouldn’t let him run against the incumbent Dem DA in Philly in the 60s…he switched his registration to Republican and won as DA and never looked back…
One other interesting fact about him…he is the author of the magic bullet theory in the Warren Committee Hearings on the Kennedy Assasination…That’s the bullet that supposedly went through Kennedy’s neck…magically changed direction in mid air and ended up smashing Governor Connelly’s wrist.
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nods in agreement. nt
Steph C Tuesday, April 28th at 7:30PM EDT (link)“[I]f the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them.” –Candidus in the Boston Gazette, 1772
Hillbilly Politics
Party like it's 2009
DaBoogieMan Tuesday, April 28th at 12:28PM EDT (link)maybe this is a sign of things to come!
Spector thinks more people registered democrat so he’ll run as a RAT.
Hey knucklehead, it was called Operation Chaos!
LOL!
Is the Dem tent getting bigger?
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 12:37PM EDT (link)I mean after all they are welcoming squishy rino’s,maybe snowe and collins will join them too.
Maggie in Indiana
Specter's been in the D tent since 04
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:03PM EDT (link)Remember this?
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Duh...Clorox moment
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 1:15PM EDT (link)Maggie in Indiana
Wow. The Ghost of Specter. nt
Rod_Patrick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:02PM EDT (link)It benifits them...that's all that Dems care about!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:21PM EDT (link)Getting rid of Snowe and Collins would help us…but we’ll still pander to them…because that’s what Republicans do!
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Good riddance to bad rubbish
peg_c Tuesday, April 28th at 12:29PM EDT (link)He says the party has moved further to the right. What planet does he live on? Further right than when Reagan was president? If only!
Time to winnow out all the RINOs - we’ve got nothing to lose. It will be interesting to see Toomey run for that seat.
I blame W for Toomey not getting the seat in 2004. Shame on him for sticking with this old fool.
Government cannot be the solution when government is the problem.
Thanks Rick Santorum & President Bush
PaRep Tuesday, April 28th at 12:29PM EDT (link)You SUCKERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ditto that
E Pluribus Unum Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)Although we the people are the ones paying the price.
Carthago delenda est
Do your conservative t-shirt Christmas shopping at EPU Gear. Save the conservative muse, save the world.
He can do a lot of damage in 18 months.
sickofitall Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)Judicial nominations, cabinet positions, absurd “truth” tribunals, spending, the list goes on and on. Is there some kind of recall option in PA? If not we have to look at all of our options to limit the wholesale destruction of everything that’s good in America before he loses in ignomy in ‘10.
“You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany.” - Rep. Paul Broun
Your Next Supreme Court Justice ...
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 12:35PM EDT (link)Super liberal Deval Patrick.
Your right, he can do a LOT of damage. We sould be thinking of ways to minimize . People joyously celebrating are misguided. No single policy initiatve is as damaging for Republicans as EFCA. Spending. you can cut later. Taxes, you can lower later. But you cant de-unionize.
Not Dead Yet!
What do you think we should do?
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 2:24PM EDT (link)You think Specter going out is heart-breaking? You think you are going to get conservative judges? What world are you living in?
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
Would have happened anyways
Thomas_Hauber Tuesday, April 28th at 12:37PM EDT (link)Specter would have done his own thing anyways. It matter not one bit whether he has an R or a D after his name.
If you thought he was going to vote against an Obama liberal judge I have some land in Florida to sell you.
It Did Matter
Swamp_Yankee Tuesday, April 28th at 12:42PM EDT (link)Dems are pushing 60. He pomised a No on EFCA. If you think that means nothing, I know you don’t live in Philly, Boston or Detroit.
Thug nation is coming. And the Dems coffers will be loaded.
Not Dead Yet!
Come on Swamp...he also promised not to switch parties...what does his promises have to do with anything?
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:24PM EDT (link)Wake up for Pete’s sake
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Swamp, he "says" he's still anti EFCA. nt
Vegas_Rick Tuesday, April 28th at 2:32PM EDT (link)“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge.
Wrong, he wasn't reigned in at all being w/ Rep party?
Common_Cents Tuesday, April 28th at 2:31PM EDT (link)He’ll go hog wild when in the pen w/ the Dems.
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
There are no recall options anywhere.
Old_Dominion Tuesday, April 28th at 1:05PM EDT (link)Members of Congress cannot be recalled. Only state and local officials.
the Dems do not give a rat's behind what we all think
loewenbrau Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)of
I hope a popular Democrat enters the race.
jeffreywturner Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)Hopefully, a life-long, well-known Democrat decides to run and ousts Specter in the Democratic Primary. How incredibly sweet would that be?
“Life is too short, can’t we all just eat pork and kill some terrorists?”
Not a chance.
Section9 Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)This is a fixed game. I am sure Rendell and Emanuel were involved.
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”-Winston Churchill
Great minds think alike
red4ever Tuesday, April 28th at 12:48PM EDT (link)Someone was prepping to run in the Dem primary. I doubt that person will just step aside now. Even if the party asks him to in order to keep the seniorityof the seat.
Just as an aside, I am a moderate Republican. You sir, Sen. Spector, are no moderate Republican. You are a lefty liberal.
The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.
Dante
Democrats were planning to run token opposition if Specter won the R primary
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 1:29PM EDT (link)So long as he jumps a few hoops (e.g. card check), he’s got a lock on the Democratic primary.
And Rightly So!
Well Well Well....So much for the "we need to support squishes to keep the Dems from getting to 60" meme!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 12:32PM EDT (link)Finally some truth in advertising! Specter hasn’t been a Republican since he switched parties years ago…his lifetime ACU raring is in the 40% range.
Good bye and good riddance Arlen!
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Ace you are brutal man....
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 12:39PM EDT (link)But you are right most of the times.
Celebrate the cleansing of GOP… Cheers!!!
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
Here's to one less knife aimed at our backs...
AceInTX Wednesday, April 29th at 12:03AM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
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I hate to say it...
mikefisk Tuesday, April 28th at 12:44PM EDT (link)…but unless the PA GOP runs a credible candidate against him, even a weakened Specter will be able to easily roll a weak Republican candidate in an increasingly-blue state.
I don’t trust the Pennsylvania Republican Party to do this, needless to say.
It’s time for the torch and pitchfork squads, people. Not necessarily to the RINOs in Congress, but more appropriately their enablers in the party structure that allow them to operate as they do. Even the most conservative of Democrats vote like their ultra-liberal brethren because they know the party is breathing down their back the whole time. Republicans seem to get praise when they openly defy their own base.
As Kos said about our troops in Iraq, let us say about our feckless party leaders - “screw them”. I refuse to accept permanent minority status just as much as I refuse to accept the Republican Party’s out and out betrayal of people from my end of the spectrum.
Never again.
“Once within the maw of Leviathan, degree of digestion is irrelevant.” - Michael Fisk
7.88, -1.97
You'd think we would have learned with Missing Linc
Section9 Tuesday, April 28th at 12:45PM EDT (link)….but NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
You know who this hurts?
Good, moderate Republicans who are loyal to the Party and supported Specter, Snowe and Collins throught the years but didn’t identify with the more Southern Flavor of the Party. We’re trying to rebuild in the Midwest and the Northeast.
Some people have to learn that trying to be Democrat Lite just won’t cut it.
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”-Winston Churchill
Section9...Conservatism =/= Southern...
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, April 28th at 1:04PM EDT (link)And to imply that it is is pretty stupid if you ask me.
Aaron’s Archive
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
Aaron...this is a game the Mods play...Specter mentioned the Republican Party becoming "Regional"...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:36PM EDT (link)The “Big Tent” meme has lost it’s cache so they are reaching back to Eisenhower and nixon to pull out a moldy oldy…they used to say then that we’d become a “regional” Party is Conservatives had their way…and Regan proved them as the fools they always were!
This is no different!
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It remains to be seen, Ace. We had Reagan then. We need another Reagan TODAY, NOW.... not on 2011.
Rod_Patrick Tuesday, April 28th at 2:41PM EDT (link)Reagan visibility as the Republican nominee for President didn’t start in the election of 1980. It was a gradual process that continued from his1976 narrow loss in the primary vs. Ford and then later peaked in 1980. After Ford’s loss in 1976, it’s obvious that the Party more or less aligned itself with Reagan, besides other potential candidates including Bush1.
Reagan’s intention or determination to become President fueled him to defeat the incumbent Democrat, Carter. Ambition was also an important element in the whole persona of Reagan. He never denied that.
Reagan didn’t just rely on Carter’s mistakes and poor governance. Reagan was a successful Governor of California. Plus, he was then a VERY POPULAR guy both inside and outside Hollywood. Half of the Hollywood and the MSM supported him. He had his own unique “philosophy” and strategy in presenting his conservative principles and beliefs - conservative yet very mainstream. He was also a strong and unabashed “critic” and nemesis of Carter from 1977-1980.
Plus it was a time when there were still significant number of conservatives.
I pray that you are right in saying that our current period is just like the Carter days. Using that comparison, in order to beat Obama in 2012, our modern Reagan must make himself/herself “visible” NOW.
But who? Is there anyone out there?
If we have no “Reagan” today, the Age of Obama will end up just like the days of FDR.
We are in a very perilous time, bro. We need to identify and support that modern “Reagan” soonest and help him/her to prepare an excellent “resume” before the 2012 election.
Good question
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 3:26PM EDT (link)I agree with everything you say above Rod…My point in my post however was to pint ot that nothing the Moderates in this party do is new…the Big Tent thing is getting to be a tired and worn out cliche’ and Conservatives are making traction against that arguement by pointing people to the Pale Pastels portion of Reagan’s speech that included a big tent.
As for “who is the next Reagan”…and what person currently can carry he conservative mantel forward with boldness? I wish I knew
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Me too, bro.
Rod_Patrick Tuesday, April 28th at 3:38PM EDT (link)I’ll die as a conservative. I will never allow someone dictate to me what I should or should not believe in.
This Big Tent blah blah blah is just a farcical attack to the conservative principles. Specter is lying. Toomey didn’t want to primary him for the reason of the gay or pro-life issue. Toomey is just one of us…. against the Porkulus.
Gosh. Snowe and Graham are quick to their defense of Specter and are using this issue to promote BIG TENT.
BIG TENT == BIG (giant) TENTACLES TO KILL CONSERVATIVISM INSIDE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
In short….. it’s suicide.
Steele was dead on with his statement!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 4:33PM EDT (link)Statement from RNC Chairman Michael Steele:
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What'd Snowe and Graham say about Sepcter? nt
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 4:34PM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
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Steele has the right to be angry. You know I believe that Specter's turn to be a democrat was PLANNED by the Democrats all along.
Rod_Patrick Wednesday, April 29th at 8:01AM EDT (link)Reports say that Biden talked to Specter FOURTEEN (14) times.
The agenda? We all know now - to convince Specter switch to Democrats and embarass the GOP and make a spectacle that the GOP is REALLY SHRINKING. Democrats orchestrated it for their own gain.
Anyway, it’s still a good riddance.
WOW that was good...Go Steele!...nt
JadedByPolitics Tuesday, April 28th at 4:36PM EDT (link)..
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy &
does not destroy him is his own enemy
Steele should have lost the first sentence...then it would have been 100%...
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, April 28th at 4:42PM EDT (link)with the first sentence he gave a subtle backhand to the Conservatives in the party who are absolutely fine with Specter finally changing the letter at the end of his name to actually match his politics.
Further more, Steele should be happy that RNC money won’t be used to once again support a traitorous a$$ clown like Specter.
He provided cover for Specters years of traitorous actions with that first sentence which by extension proves he hasn’t learned the lesson from this. It also provides cover for the ME sisters.
Color me unimpressed.
Aaron’s Archive
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
I guess we in the south can see the handwrting on the wall..
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:33PM EDT (link)you keep trying to rebuild in the northeast and Midwest by running the same kind of people using the same losing strategies over and over again…We southerners have the good sense to get the hell away from a dog that insists on biting your face…
This is as predictable as the sun rising in the Morning…and if the going get’s tough for Snowe and Collins, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll do the same thing…
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Ben Nelson has higher lifetime ACU than Specter. nt
pilgrim Tuesday, April 28th at 1:08PM EDT (link).
It is a great advantage to a president, and a major source of safety to the country, for him to know that he is not a great man.Calvin Coolidge
Was there pay to play involved?
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 12:36PM EDT (link)Seriously… I suspect it is. Consider the budget, healthcare and green movement….
GOP is better off without these scoundrels.
Thank GOD.
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
Of course.
paulincolo Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)Clear the field of dem primary opponents and dem senatorial campaign cash in exchange for every big vote the next 2 years.
Look at this politico report
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 12:50PM EDT (link)http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0409/specter_5642ba9c-d453-4fc1-96dc-5edb38690272.html
Contents just in case you don’t want to go to another site…
“OBAMA CALLS SPECTER: POTUS talked to Specter at 10:32 this morning from the Oval Office, said Dems are “thrilled to have you,” according to a White House aide. — Jonathan Martin (12:16 p.m.)
MORE: President Obama was informed of Sen. Arlen Specter’s decison to switch parties at 10:25 this morning while receiving his daily economic briefing in the Oval Office, according to a White House official.
Obama was handed a note by an aide that read: “Specter is announcing he is changing parties.”
The president reached Sen. Specter, one of only three Republicans to support his stimulus package, on the phone at 10:32 and told him “you have my full support.” He added that we are “thrilled to have you.”
Officials close to the White House say that Vice President Joe Biden, who served in the Senate with Specter for 28 years from next door Delaware and became close to him through their work on the Judiciary Committee, played a pivotal if quiet role in persuading the five-term senator to switch parties. — Jonathan Martin (12:22 p.m.)”
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
try again: the Dems do not give a rat's behind
loewenbrau Tuesday, April 28th at 12:36PM EDT (link)of our opinion regarding the turncoat. They are salivating at the consolidation of power. What happens in Congress will be bad enough but has anyone thought about the Supreme Court?
Our country is in peril—-we need more than the obvious remarks—-we need to start supporting as many candidates ( at the local level), as possible and not stop our vigilance.
What a surprise...
Husker Tuesday, April 28th at 12:39PM EDT (link)Next, someone will tell me Clay Aiken is gay.
Ummm
BlueLandRed Tuesday, April 28th at 1:56PM EDT (link)Clay Aiken is gay.
Phil Gramm showed the ethical way to switch parties
jonreagan Tuesday, April 28th at 12:39PM EDT (link)When Senator Phil Gramm decided the time had come to change parties, he resigned his seat in Congress, and ran as a Republican. There was some degree of risk, given that Texas wasn’t quite solid red in those days. Lloyd Benstsen, a Democrat, was Texas’ other US Senator.
The point is, Gramm felt that he was breaking a compact with the Democrat Party in Texas, and that the only ethical way to switch parties was to run again as a Republican. Arlen Specter could never understand this type of character, and moral compass.
Gramm was a member of the House when he resigned
red_oakster Tuesday, April 28th at 1:33PM EDT (link)not the Senate. Still you’re right that it’s a more principled thing to do. That said, a Senate resignation would mean Rendell would name a replacement until the next election.
Look Guys, this was Specter's only Way Out.
Section9 Tuesday, April 28th at 12:42PM EDT (link)Look at it from his point of view. He had lost the support of the PA Republican Party a long time ago. So, he went to Emanuel and Eddie Rendell and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Of course they went for it, for a price.
Arlen will run unopposed in the D primary, then resign midway thorugh his term so Eddie can appoint an Outfit Guy to the seat.
The smarter play on Arlen’s part would have been to be an “independent Dem” and go moderate, like Joe. But I suspected the D’s wanted all or nothing.
This is just bad optics for Arlen. He was just out to save his a$$. How godd**n pathetic.
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”-Winston Churchill
This is the problem with about 50% of politicians
robmikpet Tuesday, April 28th at 1:07PM EDT (link)in the Republican party. It is very simple
1) They want power
2) Where they run for office is Republican
3) They become a Republican.
That is why RINO is so appropriate.
Your "deal" can't be right because Rendell is out in 2010
red_oakster Tuesday, April 28th at 1:35PM EDT (link)nt
The 60th vote is much more important (assuming Franken gets seated)
What a Surprise (Not!)
golfermike Tuesday, April 28th at 12:43PM EDT (link)Arlen Sphincter shows his true colors that it’s more important to hold power than to hold fast to principles. The man has never been a moderate as the media claims, but has always leaned to the left. At least he’s no longer a RINO.
It’s clear he did this only for his own political advantage because he knew he was going to get creamed in the primary. This is the kind of thing people remember and hopefully will work against him in 2010. This is a race that the RNC really needs to target because IMHO, Spector is vulnerable.
"More important to hold power than to hold fast to principles" Amen
6eorge Jetson Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)The Dems may do some serious, hard-to-rollback damage for the rest of this term, but purging this type of cancer is necessary to restore the soul of the Republican party, and with it, a purpose.
You know we are so far in the hole in the Congress...
JadedByPolitics Tuesday, April 28th at 12:44PM EDT (link)this is nothing to be alarmed about and something WE KNEW he was one and now WE have the proof in his own words so now WE don’t have to have heartburn over his votes & OBTW he will be LOSING in 2010 no matter what he calls himself!
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy &
does not destroy him is his own enemy
Far from being alarmed JP, we're having a party! nt
olsmithie Tuesday, April 28th at 2:25PM EDT (link)This is was the NRSC bought by supporting a RINO.
Brian Hibbert Tuesday, April 28th at 12:45PM EDT (link)They managed to pay for the election of the 60th Democrat in the senate.
They should stay OUT of the primaries! Let the local Republicans deal with the primaries, then come in and support the nominee in the general.
I hope they’ve at least learned THIS lesson.
Socialism doesn’t work. It looks nice on paper, but it’s been tried and it’s failed miserably every time (usually accompanied by widespread death and suffering).
Proud member of the V.R.W.C.
Join the RedState Strike Force
THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS SHOULD STRIP HIM OF HIS CHAIRMANSHIPS NOW!
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)The fact that he’s been the ranking Republican on the Judiciary has always been a travesty…if he’s switching Parties for the elections…then he should switch NOW and Republicans need to get someone who represents us to replace him!
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That happens automatically
naraht Tuesday, April 28th at 12:58PM EDT (link)Ranking member will almost certainly go to Orin Hatch who is on the Judiciary Committee, more senior than Specter and is the only Senator more senior than Specter of either party who isn’t Chair or Ranking of any committee.
Be interesting to see if he ends up with being chair of a Committee for the Democrats or if he stays on Justice (bumping another Democrat) or both.
My understanding is that he plans to keep his party affiliation if I heard right...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:44PM EDT (link)so he’ll caucus with Repubs. If I heard wrong and he is caucusing with Dems you are right…but I don’t think it’s automatic if he caucuses with the Repubs till the election!
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I'll bet my Senator feels like a fool
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)for saying the NRSC would support him for re-election.
The NRSC were fools to support him last time.
kyle8 Tuesday, April 28th at 1:04PM EDT (link)nt
“Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty”
Kyle
Someone look it up
Thomas_Hauber Tuesday, April 28th at 12:46PM EDT (link)If I remember correctly the last time a Republican senator switched to the Democrats was back in 40’s or early 50’s. And I believe it didn’t work out too well for that fellow either.
Worked out OK.
naraht Tuesday, April 28th at 1:22PM EDT (link)No one since 1890 has jumped *directly* from Republican to Democrat, and the last one to get there eventually was Wayne Morse who was a Republican from 1945 to 1953, and independent from 1953 to 1955 and a Democrat from 1955 to 1969.
(This according to http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/senators_changed_parties.htm)
While there were some wierdities during the time he was an independent and he got the last choices on Committee assignments, when he completely switched over it was in 1955 when the Democrats too over the Senate. He was relected twice, in 1956 and 1962 and lost in the General in 1968 to Bob Packwood. He also lost in the General in 1970 to Mark Hatfield and was preparing to run yet again in 1974 when he died.
So if it works out the same for Specter, he’ll get two more re-elections out of it, in 2010 and 2016 before being defeated in 2022. I think he’ll take that over trying to go head to head in the primary with Toomey in 2010.
Jumpin Jim Jeffords
JoeG Tuesday, April 28th at 1:31PM EDT (link)Switched in 2001 making Tom Dashle the illegitimate Senate Majority Leader.
It didn’t work well for Jeffords or Dashle.
Jim Jeffords in 2002...he's gone now...nt
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:46PM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
If McConnell doesn't strip him of his committee
The_Rebel Tuesday, April 28th at 12:49PM EDT (link)assignments, then he should be replaced as minority leader. It’s time for a full blood bath now.
Well the bloodbath is inevitable
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 2:36PM EDT (link)and its needed badly. I want to give this guy a hug and cpl of bucks for leaving.
He did listen to most people here. My peers are surprised why I am so happy today after a long time… Yes I am!!!!
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
Good Riddance...
Gunny_Highway Tuesday, April 28th at 12:50PM EDT (link)What took him so long? This may come back to haunt him.
Now lets get someone in there who is a real Republican.
What makes Specter think...
mustango Tuesday, April 28th at 1:01PM EDT (link)…that netting the Democrat nomination will be any easier? I hardly think whoever was ramping up to challenge him for that seat in 2010 is just going to fold up now. And if there’s anything 2008 should have taught us, it’s that Dems won’t support a “reach across the aisle” guy when they can have someone who’s had both feet planted over there all along.
I'll be in Pennsylvania Thursday night.....
Kenny Solomon Tuesday, April 28th at 1:08PM EDT (link)Cigars and Port on me.
The left has 60 ? OK, they own it all now. Everything that happens is on them.
I sincerely “hope” they have fun with their “change”…. I’ll keep The Constitution and The Bill Of Rights.
Locked, loaded and waiting with no want or desire for the need to use my AR, 12 ga., 9mm and crossbow for anything other than competitions and training.
Cheers !
Of course you can have my guns……. Bullets first.
I didn’t say rounds, shells or magazines……
I said bullets first.
What a spectacle
Marcus_Traianus Tuesday, April 28th at 1:11PM EDT (link)Wait until he finds how far Pennsylvania has “moved to the right”.
Specter;
- Voted for a “stimulus” package that has saddled generations wwith $9 trillion in debt, earmarks, wasted spending and put us on the road to nationalized healthcare
- Pushed for terrorists to have habeus rights and access to US courts. We can all take comfort in this decision as irrregular terrorist combatants are released in the US or sent to Montana
There is not enough room to write about all the times Mr. Specter abandoned his constituents.
The coupe de grace was Specter’s stimulus bill vote which substantially killed his chances to win in a primary or general for that matter.
So I wish Arlen and his new “friends” a great deal of luck. Although I recommend considering a primary challenger (after you are done with him).
As an aside, there is nothing more despicable than a politician who pretends to stand on moral ground for a decision after his electoral mortality, and almost inevitable demise has been revealed.
Pennsylvania deserves better.
“Both of our political parties, at least the honest portion of them, agree conscientiously in the same object—the public good; but they differ essentially in what they deem the means of promoting that good. One side believes it best done by one composition of the governing powers; the other, by a different one. One fears most the ignorance of the people; the other, the selfishness of rulers independent of them. Which is right, time and experience will prove.”.Thomas Jefferson
Contributor to The Minority Report
I wonder how the Republicans who voted for Specter are feeling right now?
izoneguy Tuesday, April 28th at 1:12PM EDT (link)I would love to see some “news” reports interviewing voters who voted for Specter. Better yet -if you voted for Specter - interview yourself and post it on YOUTUBE and CNN.
“When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Thomas Jefferson
Crawling on broken glass...
Uma Richie Tuesday, April 28th at 1:30PM EDT (link)It’s like going to confession.
I was overseas and voted absentee. I had a lousy dial-up connection that we paid for by the minute so I didn’t spend much time reading any current events information. I bought into the idea that Specter had a better chance in general, and that it was more important to keep the Senate in GOP hands. Santorum’s endorsement sealed the deal. My parents tried to warn me but I didn’t listen.
I am not rejoicing over this news. I worry about Philly’s impact on PA statewide elections. The only bright side is that Specter will no longer taint the GOP brand. Now, can Republicans from other states please learn from my mistake?
……………………………………………………………………………..
“We hold our heads high, despite the price we have paid, because freedom is priceless.” -Lech Walesa
Let's set up a pool on how soon before Specter backs card check
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 1:27PM EDT (link)Actually, I think he will support an “amended” “bipartisan” alternative that will be as bad or worse than what’s proposed now.
If Specter plans to run and win as a Democrat, the only way he can do so is with union support, which means he has to support card check (else they will back a primary opponent).
Then again, he has always been a union man - he only came out against card check in the hope of pre-empting Republican primary challengers. Once he figured out he would lose anyway, it was time to “come out”.
And Rightly So!
I'm not sure
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:33PM EDT (link)Remember: for Specter, it’s All About Him. He may oppose it just to spite his new party, the way he stuck it to us so often.
And besides, who’s the left going to vote for? Toomey?
He’ll do what he wants and win the primary.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
The problem with that Neil is the Dems don't take kindly to defections...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 1:52PM EDT (link)He could get away with it on our side…if the Dems need him and he doesn’t go along…they’ll make him pay!
Where ya been BTW?
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Since when?
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 1:54PM EDT (link)They haven’t lifted a finger against Landrieu or either Nelson. The party barely slapped Lieberman on the wrist after he *campaigned against the Democrat*.
Specter will do what he wants, and the only way he loses is if the Republican beats him. He won’t lose a primary.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
They kicked Lieberman out...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 2:06PM EDT (link)Unless I’m mistaken…my take is that Landrieu and Nelson vote the Party line when they are needed and only defect when the Repubs give the Dems cover…
I should distinguish between actual floor votes here and caucus votes about what will go to the floor…You rarely see them break ranks when it’s a Republican Bill that needs their vote to pass it.
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Well no
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 2:10PM EDT (link)The party leadership did no such thing.
The primary voters kicked Lieberman out. The leadership was mixed, with some of them refusing to endorse the guy who beat Lieberman in the primary.
And then when Lieberman won, he suffered no consequences in the Senate.
Even after campaigning with John McCain, he’s kept key committee slots.
And Specter’s never been one to campaign for a Republican for anything. He accepted help but never gave it, and ertainl won’t now.
So Specter will never, ever be punished by Reid and co. for anything. Nor will he be punished in Pennsylvania by his good friends Rendell and Casey.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
the question, Neil, is will he be punished by Big Labor...
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, April 28th at 2:17PM EDT (link)or to put it plainly, Will Big Labor threaten him enough to change his vote on EFCA…that is after all the real power in the Dem party…Reid and Pelosi are pawns.
Aaron’s Archive
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
He can't be
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 2:18PM EDT (link)Without Rendell, his former employee, running against him he’s invincible in the primary.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Neil...The loons at Kos seem to disagree..
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, April 28th at 2:22PM EDT (link)well at least some…they are already discussing strategy to primary him….though many are echoing you as well.
Aaron’s Archive
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
I can't argue with that because those are facts to be sure...but he was sent a message none the less...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 3:17PM EDT (link)I would also distinguish between the Dem Caucus in the Senate VS Dem voters…let’s see what his next election is like.
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Ace, Specter's base has always been the unions
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 1:59PM EDT (link)He only verbally broke ranks over card check to try to take the wind out of his conservative opponents. When he saw the numbers, he jumped ship.
The Democrats already were planning on running token opposition. With his name recognition and seniority, once he pays his dues to the unions, no Democrat will seriously try to oppose him.
And Rightly So!
He can't be beat in the primary anyway
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 2:02PM EDT (link)Who can beat him without Rendell stepping up?
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
I agree here Neil nt
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 2:09PM EDT (link)House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
I don't disagree...My main point is the difference in the way he'll be treated...
AceInTX Tuesday, April 28th at 2:08PM EDT (link)He won’t be thumbing his nose in such a public way against the Dems or they’ll dump him!
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
I like Michael Steele's commentary
Finrod Tuesday, April 28th at 1:35PM EDT (link)“Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don’t do it first.” — Michael Steele
(link)
—
Finrod’s First Law of Bandwidth:
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it takes the bandwidth of ten thousand.
That should about seal his votes
Maggie_in_Indiana Tuesday, April 28th at 1:53PM EDT (link)on card check and health care and every other liberal policy they want in place by 2010 elections. He’ll surely cement his place in the hearts of the Dem’s so there won’t be any contender from their side for his seat.
He’ll become Obama’s biggest fan on MSNBC,CNN,and the wash room at Democrat headquarters.
Maybe though we’ll get a better chairman on the Judaical committee
Maggie in Indiana
You hit it right on the nose, Maggie!
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 2:05PM EDT (link)The Democratic nomination was always his for the asking - and had he been able to win the Republican nomination, the Democrats would have run only token opposition.
The only course correction he needs to do is to flip-flop to spearhead ECFA (or some ghastly face-saving mutation thereof). Plus back every other key union bill. This won’t be a problem since Specter has always been labor’s guy.
And Rightly So!
Good point
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 2:56PM EDT (link)To get funding and no D challenger he’ll likely have to make his bones with his new party. Not sure the electorate will take to kindly to this.
Glad you've stopped by
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 3:01PM EDT (link)…but do be aware that there is a lot of venting going on, so discussions today may not be as well reasoned as usual.
And Rightly So!
understood ct
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 3:08PM EDT (link)I posted my view on the impact below (minimal and maybe a GOP plus) and I am aware that some members in this community are venting, and rightfully so. But in venting, people bring up good points.
Maggie...we won't be getting those commitee seats back...
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, April 28th at 3:01PM EDT (link)see here
Aaron’s Archive
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out
rsrob Tuesday, April 28th at 1:45PM EDT (link)Toomey should crush this guy…
Better for us for Specter to lose his seat as a Democrat!
stang Tuesday, April 28th at 1:48PM EDT (link)Spares us the intraparty fratricide of a contested primary. Assuming no one else jumps in to contest Toomey.
“Whenever the legislators endeavor to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any farther obedience, and are left to the common refuge which God hath provided for all men against force and violence.”
John Locke
this one is visceral
AKSteveB Tuesday, April 28th at 1:59PM EDT (link)I’m going to break my rule of not donating to out of state races, to donate to Pat Toomey. The one nice thing out of all of this is, the Dems will learn to hate the narcissistic blowhard Specter, as much as we have. What a fitting end to his self serving career.
Hell is other people - Sartre
I have so such rule! and yes they will learn to love him as we have!!
olsmithie Tuesday, April 28th at 2:16PM EDT (link)There is some justice, I think they deserve him.
Regards
That is "no" such nt
olsmithie Tuesday, April 28th at 2:17PM EDT (link)Wait until the general
JoeG Wednesday, April 29th at 12:25AM EDT (link)I think we should let the local party pick who is to run against spincter.
Once that choice is made, make sure they are well funded.
Spectre has been a drag on the hull of freedom for decades
olsmithie Tuesday, April 28th at 2:13PM EDT (link)Now to scrape away a few more of the barnacles.
Good riddance to bad garbage.
Wished that he had done it decades ago.
Snow? Collins? any others feel froggy, then please jump.
You’re RINOs anyway, never be missed and the party brand will have a chance to regain respectability.
Regards
See!! there is still some good news out there…
First reaction is universal
Bham Tuesday, April 28th at 2:16PM EDT (link)It’s essentially unanimous — here at RS at least — that Arlen Specter is a detestable politician, an opportunist, a careerist, and a whole bunch of other unflattering descriptions. Flail away, fellow conservatives, I say Amen.
But the threads I’ll be much more interested to read will deal with how we can play our congressional hand without a threat of filibuster.
Before Specter’s treachery, the Dems were already making noises about playing loose with the Senate rules to steamroller a nationalized health bill with only 51 votes…how much more swagger will they have with 60?
Yes, the Dems can’t resist overreaching, and thereby start a backlash that could manifest as soon as Nov 2010…but that political correction is only a possibility, and my mind swims thinking of how much damage they can do between now and 4Q2010.
Bellinghamster
Weasel
reaganlover Tuesday, April 28th at 2:19PM EDT (link)The weasel only switched to save his worthless hide from losing in the primary. I never trusted or had any respect for him. He was to Republicans as Joe Lieberman was to the Democrats, as far as I am concerned. Good riddance. When will that other idiot Sen. Collins become ad Democrat?
3 reasons this is not that big a deal
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 2:21PM EDT (link)1. Specter’s switch doesn’t make the senate filibuster proof. It already was leaning that way with him, Snow, and Collins.
2. He will probably side with the senate “bluedogs.” They don’t help the GOP agenda but they do slow the more radical liberal agenda.
3. This frees up GOP funding to put on a good general fight rather than an expensive primary fight. A lot of regular people don’t like party switchers — kind of shows that the candidate is more interested in re-election than in representing the will of the people that got him there in the first place.
WHO ARE THESE BLUEDOGS???
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 3:24PM EDT (link)I am so sick and tired of hearing about Bluedogs. They always vote the democratic party line in critical votes. Outside of 4 or 5 in the House, they do not exist. Especially in the Senate
WHO ARE THESE BLUEDOGS???
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 3:24PM EDT (link)I am so sick and tired of hearing about Bluedogs. They always vote the democratic party line in critical votes. Outside of 4 or 5 in the House, they do not exist. Especially in the Senate
new term: Red Dog Republicans
JLenardDetroit Tuesday, April 28th at 4:01PM EDT (link)I know I could have stomached Benedict Arlene disreSpecter had he been a Red Dog (along the lines of the, now proving to only be a MYTH, Blue-Dog) rather than a RINO….
A Red-Dog would-be/is someone that is a Moderate to Liberal Republican on some issues but would STAND WITH THE PARTY come those hard Party-line votes where they are really needed. Those BLUE-DOGS were supposed to be willing to vote the hard Conservative Vote but have proven that the DEMOCRAT label comes first over the CONSERVATIVE part — OK, by that definition I could handle RED-DOG REPUBLICANS that would be willing to vote their conscience whenever - but when we (and in this case the “we” means Republicans - which in the usual sub-text would also mean Conservative because the core of the Republican base and majority that when voting actually gets Republicans majorities is Conservative) have control and votes of passage of Republican(Party Platform related)/Conservative agenda items are close that they vote in line with the Party.
So…. when it comes to BLUE STATE Elections, I can/will support RED-DOG Candidates in order to allow them to be competitive and get elected, but they had better prove to be my contention of a RED-DOG and not a RINO.
Thoughts?!?!?
(RS:Help) (JLD) (Hollyweird) (Brain-deads) (SPIN-cycle) (Obamaocare) (Party of kNOw) (Conservatism) (TEApeats) (respectful) (Reco) (Quotes) (removeRINOs.com) (Merry RSmas)
+ 0bama Lies & your Bank acct will Die! (4/15 Truthers)
+ Heil “O” Hell No Obamao is NOT MY PRESIDENT! “No U won’t”
+ I want “O” to FAIL (here, here, & whole Diary (Ofail) here, is why)
“The first Liberal was Satan” - a Rush caller (other Quotes)
Not heard the Red Dog moniker
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:57PM EDT (link)before, but I think it’s a good one and your definition is apt too. Your Red Dog definition is much tighter than RINO.
you haven't heard of Red-Dog, because I created it today
JLenardDetroit Tuesday, April 28th at 10:19PM EDT (link)and I welcome your thoughts on that concept…. I put up a Diary now Red-Dog Republicans vs. RINO (and the Blue-Dog myth)
(RS:Help) (JLD) (Hollyweird) (Brain-deads) (SPIN-cycle) (Obamaocare) (Party of kNOw) (Conservatism) (TEApeats) (respectful) (Reco) (Quotes) (removeRINOs.com) (Merry RSmas)
+ 0bama Lies & your Bank acct will Die! (4/15 Truthers)
+ Heil “O” Hell No Obamao is NOT MY PRESIDENT! “No U won’t”
+ I want “O” to FAIL (here, here, & whole Diary (Ofail) here, is why)
“The first Liberal was Satan” - a Rush caller (other Quotes)
These are Senate Bluedogs
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:34PM EDT (link)Evan Bayh, Tom Carper, Bob Casey, Kent Conrad, Dianne Feinstein, Daniel Inouye, Amy Klobuchar, Mary Landrieu, Blanche Lincoln, Claire McCaskill, Barbara Mikulski, Bill Nelson, Ben Nelson, Mark Pryor, Ken Salazar, Jim Webb.
I can imagine that you are rolling you eyes right now. But keep in mind that blue dogs are not Republicans and tend to be left of RINOs. However, they are the part of the Democratic party that Republicans can deal with, as opposed to the far left democrats. They tend to be for fiscal responsibility and mildly for 2nd amendment rights (don’t know about Feinstein, though) — at least as far as a democrat can go on those issues.
They serve more to temper the Democratic Party line rather than vote against it. If they weren’t there, the legislation moved forward by the far left would likely make your head explode! Probably mine too!
ACU rankings
Common_Cents Tuesday, April 28th at 4:39PM EDT (link)1. Olympia Snowe, Maine: (ACU Rating: 12)
(Only one point higher than liberal Democrat Hillary Clinton who the ACU scored an 11, and an astonishing 4 points lower than Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid’s 16.)
2. Susan Collins, Maine: 20
(Collins received the same score as liberal Claire McCaskill, and 4 points lower than Russ Feingold’s 24)
3. Arlen Specter, PA: 42 (Only 10 points higher than Mary Landrieu’s 32)
4. George Voinovich, OH: 52
5. Lisa Murkowski, AL: 58
6. Mel Martinez, FL: 60
7. John McCain, AZ: 63
8. Richard Lugar, Ind: 63
9. Robert Bennett, UT: 64
10. Thad Cochran, Miss: 68
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
I see your point with these facts.
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:50PM EDT (link)Apparently Snow and Collins are way to the left of Specter. As I’ve posted in other places on this thread, the fact that Specter changed affiliation from R to D is not that significant. The ACU rankings you post shows that Collins and Snow are more D thinking than Specter or even some way liberal D’s.
They ALL voted "Aye"
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 4:51PM EDT (link)on the Porkulus Bill which is the antithesis of fiscal responsibility. So spare me the lectures.
Didn't mean to lecture
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:59PM EDT (link)I apologize if that is how it came across.
No worries
TxCon Tuesday, April 28th at 5:37PM EDT (link)I just get sick and tired of hearing about all of the “Blue Dogs”. They all talk big, but when it’s time for the rubber to meet the road, they vote with Reid and Pelosi.
Not sure about these points, LibRick
civil_truth Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30PM EDT (link)1) As a Democrat, Specter is subject to party discipline; if he bucks the leadership on a key vote (esp a filibuster vote), they can retaliate, The Republican Senate leadership refuses to exert such discipline.
That is, as a Republican, he could vote in ways that would maximize his personal political gain. As a Democrat, the leadership may force him to vote on certain ways that won’t curry favor in PA.
In other words, he will find his wings clipped. On the other hand, he won’t be able to subvert Republican unity from the inside.
2) I don’t know his record well enough to assay that. My PA friends would know that better. Do you have any evidence that he fits a “Blue Dog” profile?
3) I’m sure I’ll be hearing from my PA friends in the next few days, but the Republican primary is not a lock for Toomey. There is another solid conservative who actually had announced - before Toomey I think - and the two have different bases. Unless they can work something out, there may still be a primary fight ahead.
The difference is that Specter won’t be around to sneak in if the conservative split too evenly. But now that Specter is out, the conservatives need to figure out how to navigate a path to get the general election united and with the money they need - and an expensive and divisive primary fight make it easy for Specter.
Perhaps he’s hoping for a fight now that there’s not common enemy. Again, I suspect I’ll hear from my PA friends before long.
And Rightly So!
Thanks for making me think!
LibRick Tuesday, April 28th at 4:11PM EDT (link)On party discipline — The D’s operate differently than the R’s. Remember Lieberman? He ran independent, supported an R for the presidency and still retained his committee assignments. Specter can call his own shots because just like Lieberman, he is a swing vote.(good for spreading his wings) There was no retaliation on Lieberman and I doubt there will be any party discipline applied to Specter.
Specters record — Thanks for bringing that up I did a bit of research on it and I see why he is painted as a RINO here and on many other sites. I concede that I was wrong on this. His record is more liberal than I thought.
On the Republican primary fight — This is internal to the R party debate. In order to maximize chances of beating Specter, R’s need to run a solid candidate with little primary opposition. I don’t know that much about Toomey. He may be your guy. But Specter’s support on the D side may be a bit soft. I don’t think Specter, at this point ,has any base at all. The traitor thing might play well.
President Obama "Don't think we're not keeping score, brother"
antisocial Tuesday, April 28th at 8:38PM EDT (link)Remember???
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
there are no senate "bluedogs" for him to side with
pilgrim Tuesday, April 28th at 3:38PM EDT (link)Only one Senate D (Ben Nelson) is less liberal than Specter according to ACU lifetime ratings. I do not accept the MSM meme that Specter is a moderate. Specter is a liberal who now chooses to have a D after his name.
It is a great advantage to a president, and a major source of safety to the country, for him to know that he is not a great man.Calvin Coolidge
Color me surprised (sigh)
Hammer2008 Tuesday, April 28th at 2:43PM EDT (link)I’ll have to revise this to Shame on the GOP2 and find a new picture. Then again, I’d like to know what the reactions of Maine’s Senators are to Specter’s switch and their own votes for the seven thousand $1,000,000.00 porkulus…
http://www.redstate.com/hammer2008/2009/02/13/shame-on-the-gop-3-shame-on-you/
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Too much noise! “Noise! You’ll have noise enough before long. The Regulars are coming out.” ~ Paul Revere (April 18th, 1775’s eve…)
Reaction in Maine.
Princeliberty Tuesday, April 28th at 3:18PM EDT (link)I am wondering when Collins will switch parties.
Just you watch…
Princeliberty
What an a-hole. It should expose that politicians do not work for America's best interest.
Common_Cents Tuesday, April 28th at 2:47PM EDT (link)Specter said Reps moved far right and had they supported Chafee, Spector would be the chairman of the judiciary committee. This is a self interested cry baby taking his ball and going home to the DEM party.
We are going to suffer greatly but I guess its necessary to hang this radical experiment clearly on the DEMS and hopefully come back someday from the damage they are going to do over the next couple years at least.
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
His 29-year record
JustLeaveMeAlone Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30PM EDT (link)Wanna bet he made a deal with the Dems? And should they trust him? The guy allowed the Republican Party to pay for his prior elections. Then, when the going gets rough, instead of manning-up, he cuts and runs.
Buh-bye, Traitor.
“To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” Thomas Jefferson
A pro-choice, moderate Republican defects.
asleep06 Tuesday, April 28th at 3:33PM EDT (link)Surprise, surprise.
Small is beautiful.
NOT a moderate
Neil Stevens Tuesday, April 28th at 3:55PM EDT (link)Specter’s awfully far to the left. He’s no moderate.
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Is anyone surprised by this?
Hera Tuesday, April 28th at 3:39PM EDT (link)Specter has been a RINO for years and was going down to defeat in the GOP primary next year he switched parties in order to save his political life. He’s as corrupt and unprincipled as most of the Washington elite,so good riddance.What I want to see is Specter go down to defeat as a Dem next year.
Thank You!! Senator Spectacle (aka: disreSpecter)
JLenardDetroit Tuesday, April 28th at 3:48PM EDT (link)for demonstrating all the years of you being called a RINO were correct. That you care only about YOUR BEING IN THE SENATE to protect your paycheck and pension and not a wit about the Health and Welfare of the Nation. That you cared nothing about being Republican, and often less so about any Conservative ideals only caring to vote for them when it required NO COURAGE to do so in order to protect the DEMOCRAT VOTES you were (now, not quite still openly admitting to) garnering to insure your continued returns to the US Senate.
I, at least, have retained respect for Joe Lieberman for his going to Independent out of PRINCIPLE…. You, Mr. Spectacle sir, have FINALLY admitted the truth and I THANK YOU for it! Thank you for demonstrating that you have only been a Republican to hoodwink some votes on top of your Democrat base, to whom you have mostly proven your loyalty, as of late anyway. Thanks for rallying Conservatives and Republicans alike, so that we can work for getting someone in/from PA that cares about someone/something other than Self!!!!
I do NOT entirely disagree with Senator Graham, when he went on FOX and spoke of Reagan “if you are with me 80% of the time, you are my friend.” I agree with that MOST OF THE TIME and I have no problem with the notion that Moderate Republicans may be the only ones that may indeed be able to win in some/certain areas (the Blue-est of the Blue). I really don’t…. HOWEVER, I do have a great expectation that any/all Republicans rally at key critical Vote times and am very unforgiving of those who fail to stand with the Conservative Majority in the Party at those times! Sorry, that is my position, and my honesty to be willing to be flexible in some cases (which is really basically only to be respectful to other viewpoints and to form a Majority coalition) will cause me some grief from some around here and my inflexibility at times (to adhere to core Conservative values) will cause me grief from others at other times. I have never been a fan of Specter, and I will NEVER support McCain again either! I can only hope that McLame will cross-over now, or have the balls unlike Specter, to go Independent!
(RS:Help) (JLD) (Hollyweird) (Brain-deads) (SPIN-cycle) (Obamaocare) (Party of kNOw) (Conservatism) (TEApeats) (respectful) (Reco) (Quotes) (removeRINOs.com) (Merry RSmas)
+ 0bama Lies & your Bank acct will Die! (4/15 Truthers)
+ Heil “O” Hell No Obamao is NOT MY PRESIDENT! “No U won’t”
+ I want “O” to FAIL (here, here, & whole Diary (Ofail) here, is why)
“The first Liberal was Satan” - a Rush caller (other Quotes)
no respect
engulfedinflames Tuesday, April 28th at 4:49PM EDT (link)A.S. do I need to say anymore?
The "swine flew" disease hits PA Rep party nt
Common_Cents Tuesday, April 28th at 5:05PM EDT (link)“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
o.k. then i will
engulfedinflames Tuesday, April 28th at 5:12PM EDT (link)I new he was a rat when he came up with that stupid single bullett deal what a dope no a dippy dope now all those people who thought they were voting for a real man a republicMAN just got screwed agin. whats next we alredy got commies in our GOV111111111!! i guess krushev won the cold war even thou Ronald Reegan won the cold war now we have to fite it all over agin. this time nuke em.I did not now he was a democRAT. If hes a RINO you cant expect no loyalty no way. Who would say they were one thing then be another thing witch there not???? only a RAT. I think he is a RAT and good riddence to bad rubish. Arlen Speckter joined the party that bows down to muslems how does it smell down theyre you dirty rat.
I am Mad
dld1717 Tuesday, April 28th at 8:28PM EDT (link)First, this news today pissed me off. The Dems have 60 seats do u realize the damage they can do now? To think in 1994 we won Congress and now we have less then 40 members and lets be honest folks 2010 looks bad for us. We could lose NH, MO, NC, KY, OH, and FL and I see hardly any locks for pickups.
1. I do wish we could allow the Republican party to have more people elected on its views. I would rather have a Snowe or Collins then 2 Dems representing Maine for example. I would rather have a Lingle, Castle get our support then not.
As for Arlen this was a turncoat. You don’t leave ur friends and colleagues like he is. You don’t raise 6.5 million from Republicans for past 6 years and then stick knife in them.
Again, I am mad but so fearful
Its time for the Huckabees, Thommy Thompson, etc to stand up and help their party. This is bull if they don’t
dld1717: Specter was never going to vote to sustain a filibuster anyway.
Martin Knight Wednesday, April 29th at 9:52AM EDT (link)So losing him “officially* makes no difference in the grand scheme of things.
As usual, you’ve got it backwards here - we’ve been electing Specters, Jeffords and Chafees, people whose views more matched up with the Democrats than the GOP in a bid to “welcome moderates.”
This is the result.
To me, “consensus” seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects … There are still people in my party who believe in “consensus” politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors … I mean it.
- Margaret Thatcher
NOTE: “consensus” = “Bipartisanship™”/”Centrism™”
Coming in a little late here,
TNJim Wednesday, April 29th at 1:58AM EDT (link)but dittos to all the “good riddance” comments above. I can’t really add anything to what has all been said already.
“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane
Arlen Specter, Unpricipled Coward
avgamerican Saturday, May 9th at 12:51PM EDT (link)Specter is exactly like the character in Braveheart who plays the Scottish king, father of the heir prince. He tells his son to back the uprising led by William Wallace while he opposes it through the nobles. Maintain popularity with both the King of England and the commoners. Unprincipled cowardice. Untrustworthy liars. Thats what Specter is along with all of the leadership in Washington including Obama.Even more sinister is that they actually try to present their character as noble. As an ability to compromise. Compromise what? Life? Death? History repeats itself. Only each generation becomes stupider than the next because they allow it to repeat. Believe the lie because it is harder to accept the truth.