"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary. I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election. 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."
—Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter announced today that he's switching parties. This will give the Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, assuming Al Franken is eventually seated as Minnesota's senator. President Obama called Specter to say the Democrats "are thrilled to have you."
No Romeo
That's quite an about-face
1So he's going to caucus with the Dems starting now? Interesting.
I was just imagining if the Republican party's popularity fell even further, what stops the whole Republican senators from switching parties to Democrats during the campaign for the next election THEN turn around and change back to Republican? LOL.
2Interesting development.
3I'm not surprised because there are a lot of high profile Reagan Republicans who are uncomfortable with how far right the party has moved.
4I'm not surprised because he had a tough Republican challenger in the primaries, but the Democratic primary is going to be much easier for him to win. I feel his votes won't change on much, though. He was a liberal Republican and he'll be a conservative Democrat.
5The Democratic Party can have him. Arlen Specter has always been very moderate, so this really isn't that surprising. Although, it really is unfortunate that checks and balances are really not being met when one party has such a dominate presence in the government.
6Dude, he REALLY REALLY wants to get re-elected!
I don't know much about this guy, but this doesn't seem genuine in the slightest. Wolf in sheep's clothing.
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