********BREAKING NEWS: ARLEN SPECTER SWITCHING PARTIES********

[SharonRB]

Just heard on the radio. That gives us 60 once Al gets seated. :woohoo:

[Teaser]

1. oh dear

.

[L. Coyote]

70. He discovered he could not win re-election. That's the REAL news!!!

[WI_DEM]

156. he could win re-election (I believe) but he couldn't win his parties nomination.

[donheld]

2. Source please.

[SharonRB]

10. I heard it on the radio on CNN news just now

Sorry -- I can't link you to a radio report.

[PA Democrat]

31. Reported on CNN.. I just heard it also!

[skooooo]

52. MSNBC reporting too.

[spanone]

3. i'm not sure we want him...opportunist

[Lorien]

131. Er, and our party is completely free of opportunitists as is? I swear; it's

pathetic when DU roars with anger over GOOD NEWS.

[Wednesdays]

147. I really don't see a downside for the Dems in this

Yeah, he's Arlen...Mr. Magic Bullet and all. But this is nothing short of disastrous for the Repuke Party, no matter how anyone tries to spin it. If they can.

Remember, the enemy of my enemy...

[seemslikeadream]

ARE YOU SHITTING ME!!

[EOTE]

4. For real? Link? Please don't be BSing here. NT

[Tuvok Obama]

LINK (Washington Post)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html?hpid=topnews

Specter To Switch Parties

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter will switch his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and announced today that he will run in 2010 as a Democrat, according to a statement he released this morning.

Specter's decision would give Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate assuming Democrat Al Franken is eventually sworn in as the next senator from Minnesota. (Former senator Norm Coleman is appealing Franken's victory in the state Supreme Court.)

"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."

[EOTE]

137. Much thanks!

Hard to believe, but it's real.

[Qutzupalotl]

138. Those last two sentences make it seem like he's shifting with the wind:

"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."

:rofl:

(I know what he's saying, but that was an unfortunate juxtaposition.)

[madokie]

5. this is not april the first

[FSogol]

6. Is he switching to Lieberman's party? n/t

[BuyingThyme]

7. Ummm.... What?

[Oceansaway]

8. tweetys probably glad he didnt jump in...n/t

[babylonsister]

9. Specter courts conservatives in Pa. rematch

Go figure. If cnn is getting this breaking story from human events, it might not be so.


Specter courts conservatives in Pa. rematch
By Alexander Bolton
Posted: 04/27/09 07:30 PM


Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) has been laying the groundwork for a grudge rematch against former Rep. Pat Toomey since 2004, when Specter almost lost his seat to the conservative firebrand.

Conservative leaders say that Specter’s relationship with conservative activists is much stronger than four and a half years ago, when the senator relied on then-President George W. Bush and -Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) to rally support before surviving his toughest primary challenge to date. He beat Toomey by just 2 percent.

As a result, these same conservative leaders and activists may well have a stronger influence over Specter in the18 months leading up to Election Day, making it more difficult for Democratic leaders to woo his support for their agenda.

“What he’s done is to try to develop a relationship with conservatives in Pennsylvania and elsewhere,” said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union.

“Specter decided after the last primary with Toomey that if people wanted to disagree with him on issues, that would be fine, but that he would also make friends with them,” Keene added.

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/specter-courts-conservatives-in-pa.-rematch-2009-04-27.html

[goclark]

18. K and R

[babylonsister]

37. Specter sounds really confused!

I'll wait to hear it from the horse's ... mouth.

[mth44sc]

11. thanks

but no thanks...

[louis-t]

12. Nah, he'll switch to Independent.

If at all.

[Thrill]

34. Schuster just said switch to Democrat

[ecstatic]

13. lol

:shrug:

[notadmblnd]

14. dont we still have to worry about that group of conservative democrats who have vowed to go along

with the pukes? I can't remember any of their names right now.

[Spider Jerusalem]

27. 'Blue Dogs'

[Buzz Clik]

15. That giant sucking sound is millions of knuckledraggers taking a deep breath to help them scream:

"See!!! We told ya so!"

[cali]

16. fuck, fuck, fuck. I don't want him.

[Lorien]

125. Then go pout in a corner by yourself. This is a WIN for our side

but then again-from many of your rants it's hard to tell whose side you are on (other than your own).

[cali]

148. I'm on the side

of having liberal and progressive senators where we can, and PA looked to be a place where that could happen next year.

And don't blame me if you can't follow critical thinking and nuance, my friend. that's your sad little problem.

[KittyWampus]

153. Terribly ironic you'd suggest someone ELSE of not engaging in critical thinking and nuance. LOL

It's hilarious you don't realize how absurdly your post read.

[BuyingThyme]

17. My head just exploded.

CNN is reporting.

I can't believe this.

I'm going to smell fish for a while.

[Fozzledick]

139. Back and to the left?

:yoiks:

[rcrush]

19. Mr "Single Bullet Theory"?

Fuck that guy

[jus_the_facts]

49. You must be a slykick...

....that's just what I was thinkin'! :D

[rcrush]

76. I just dont get it.

All these people cheering and jumping up and down.

[EOTE]

101. It's better than nothing.

And his vote could be the difference between passage and non-passage of many a bill.

[Wednesdays]

149. Yup, who sat on all those committees. He knows something's coming down

Senate leader of the finance and judiciary committees during the Cheney administration?

This is huge, folks. Arlen knows something's coming...something big. The torture thing, maybe, or something about the bailout money. Whatever it is, there's going to be huge repercussions to whatever's left of the Repuglican Party, and Arlen just now grabbed a lifeboat before the Republican ship blows to smithereens.

Grab some popcorn and watch. :popcorn:

[lpbk2713]

20. That might be good statistically ...

... but I have never trusted any political turncoats.

[PA Democrat]

21. Woo hoo! PA's got two blue Senators!

First we got rid of Santorum and now this!

[MadrasT]

155. I'm right with you!!!

:woohoo:

Now if I could just get rid of my repuke Rep... :eyes:

:kick:

[tridim]

22. Being reported on MSNBC now!

:woohoo:

[stop the bleeding]

23. I heard too on CNN. He's going to be a DEM. nt

[seemslikeadream]

24. MSNBC JUST REPORTING IT

[babylonsister]

25. Now m$nbc is reporting this, too. nt

[Thrill]

26. WOW......Is he switching to Democrat or Independent?

[seemslikeadream]

30. DEMOCRATIC

[Chisox08]

28. MSNBC.com says he is in talks to switch parties.

[thewiseguy]

29. Fox is reporting he is switching to DEM party

[seemslikeadream]

36. HEHEHEHEHE!!!

[ecstatic]

99. I LOVE FNC on days like this!

The slant is so obvious it's like comedy. They precede Franken's name with "former comic." They assign motives to people (i.e., they know the REAL reason Specter is switching parties).

[Captain Hilts]

32. We can win the seat by defeating the Republican candidate. nt

[jillan]

33. woooohooooo!!!!!! What a slap in the face to the Repukes!!!!!!

[empyreanisles]

35. MSNBC says he's going to *Democrat* (eom)

[tridim]

38. I bet Coleman goes to the SC now.

Anything to delay a 60 vote majority.

[Spazito]

117. It doesn't matter if Coleman goes to the USSC....

Once the state electoral process is complete, which it will be once the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled on his appeal, the Senate will seat Franken because they will have adhered to the legal processes and the election of the state's reps, Senate and House, is a STATE issue.

[ecstatic]

39. wow! To the naysayers--we are now filibuster proof!

That's what matters! Sorry, not sure how to spell filibuster. LOL

[rcrush]

50. You trust this fucker!?!

WHY?

[ecstatic]

61. No, I don't trust him, someone should primary him

for sure. A REAL democrat. But until then, I'm happy with the math.

[thewiseguy]

64. What is wrong with Specter?

[tishaLA]

72. so many things

From Anita Hill to card check and so much in between.

[rcrush]

85. He is Mr Magic Bullett theory to

[WI_DEM]

157. Actually I saw a pretty good documentary which shows that it's not a "magic bullet theroy"

but a magic bullet fact.

[thewiseguy]

86. He has a higher approval rating among democrats in Pennsylvania than republicans

[rcrush]

89. He's also a fucking liar.

[thewiseguy]

96. Can you leave the F word out of our discussions?

:eyes:

[tishaLA]

94. I know that. I said in a post downthread that he probably gets more

support from Democrats in GEs than any other republicon senator. And that's because of his support inside Philadelphia, where Democrats like him despite his toolishness. They appreciate that he is pro-choice and ignore the fact that he supports the most conservative judicial nominees. To put it another way, they like the show and avoid the substance.

[thewiseguy]

100. He opposed Robert Bork.

[tishaLA]

102. That's one exception that proves the rule

Specter consistently mouths support for investigations, holding people accountable, etc., and manages to cave when push comes to shove.

[thewiseguy]

109. I don't mind him

He has an independent mind. Also criticized the Clinton impeachment.

[Lorien]

127. I don't "Trust" either Senator Nelson or any other DINO-but numbers matter

I think that you're just searching for the dark cloud inside the silver lining. If you don't see how this is a major victory for us, well...that's a pity.

[Wednesdays]

150. I agree, it's wise not to trust him

Still, there's no downside to this! There's one less repuke in their caucus!

[rcrush]

151. But

Whats the difference between him and all the other conservative democrats that we arent sure are going to vote with us? Plus this guy is a major asshole.

[Wednesdays]

159. LOL, you're right about the asshole part

Maybe we can see to it he's no longer that asshole. If not, then show him the door.

[TahitiNut]

83. Total, unadulterated bullshit. There's no way in hell all 60 would toe the line and vote cloture.

Cheesus!! It's like people can't remember a damned thing!

[OhioChick]

40. .......

:wtf:

[myrna minx]

41. Holy Moly!

Massive power play on Specter's part. Wow.

[rcrush]

42. We want this guy? We trust this guy?

WTF? Is having a fucking D by their name all that matters to you people?

[myrna minx]

56. I don't trust him one whit, but he says he'll caucus with the Dems. Once

my Senator is seated we now have 60. You know he's going to pull some massive power plays (like Lieberman) but for now, we have a filibuster proof Senate.

[Political Heretic]

43. THEN BACK FUCKING EFCA YOU PIECE OF SHIT

Back EFCA or FUCK OFF.

[babylonsister]

73. First thing out of his mouth was he wouldn't be changing his position

on EFCA.

[DireStrike]

115. Well then, goodbye in the primary you fucker.

[RB TexLa]

I think that was a big part of the switch and he will

he had much, much pressure from the leadership to oppose it.

[Lorien]

128. Yeah, that's how to win friends and influence people

do you attack all Dems like that when you disagree with them?

[Political Heretic]

133. When they fail to support the American worker, abso-fucking-lutely

I'm not here to win friends.

Specter can go fuck himself if he expects my support while opposing EFCA.

[Lil Missy]

44. Woo Hoo!!!!!

:bounce:

[JVS]

45. Is he going to flip on EFCA, because when he shitcanned that, Reid said he was closing the door.

[ecstatic]

71. No. Just stated by Shuster

Specter says he won't be an automatic 60th vote :eyes:

Oh well, we can use him until a better option comes up in the next primary.

[TahitiNut]

46. Here we go again ... chasing the mythical 60-seat majority like a fart in a windstorm

The bizarre notion that the Democrats could get all 60 to vote the same way is psychotic.

Hell ... Ben Nelson is to the right of Specter and Specter is NO 'progressive'!!

[BuyingThyme]

57. I think the larger point is in regards to the filibuster rule.

[TahitiNut]

68. Make no difference. Cloture is a vote. It's PSYCHOTIC to persist in the belief all "D"s will vote

... according to the "leadership" wishes.

[BuyingThyme]

95. Maybe so. But it's my understanding that it's much easier to hold on cloture

than on other kinds of votes.

[seabeyond]

47. over last couple years he has kept trying to call the repugs out on stuff, just never

could follow thru.

hm

interesting

[tishaLA]

87. I've always thought his calling out was for show

To keep supporters in PA in his corner. I'd guess he gets a higher percentage of Democratic votes than any other republicon in the Senate, and it is largely because of his ties to Philadelphia and his ability to woo the city's Democratic constituency behind him. And that's why he does better in the general election than he did in the republicon primary last time around.

[sinkingfeeling]

48. This is a duplicate post in LBN.

[Spider Jerusalem]

No, it's not, because this is NOT LBN

[WolverineDG]

51. Okay, do we want him as a Dem?

If he felt so inclined, wtf didn't he switch when shrubbie was in power?

dg

[rcrush]

63. I sure as hell dont.

I dont trust this fucker for one second.

[WolverineDG]

74. He switches parties, loses the Dem primary

does another Dem candidate stand a chance to win over whoever the R candidate will be?

If so, goodie. :evilgrin: two birds, one stone

dg

[ecstatic]

80. but he'll probably pull a Lieberman and run as an Indie

when he loses the dem primary. So we have to really push our guy when the time comes.

[WolverineDG]

122. Does PA law allow for that? nt

[Arkana]

103. The key there is "loses the Dem primary".

I'd bet dollars to donuts there will be NO serious primary challenger now, and Specter will have the full backing of the DNC and all of Obama's organization.

[Tesha]

142. Well, he'll have the full backing if the D*L*C; what else matters? (NT)

[tridim]

66. YES... Without a second of hesitation.

Are you joking?

[Teaser]

67. He's an opportunist....

and as such, we have to be wary of him. However, even opportunists can be useful.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

53. pinch me...n/t

[rcrush]

54. FUCK ALREN SPECTOR. I dont care what letter he has next to his name!

FUCK ARLEN SPECTOR

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

55. Fox is saying he did it because of strong challenge in republican primary

ha!

[redqueen]

58. YES!

:woohoo:

:party:

Fantastic news! :7



Wait... he's not gonna join the blue dogs is he? (Sorry.)

[Poiuyt]

59. So when do we get Al Franken?

[Lyric]

60. ROFL!!!

I found out in the greatest possible way a minute ago. I heard my moronic Freeper neighbor dude outside cussing, saying "What the FUCK??! How can that even be LEGAL?? It should be fucking illegal, they elected him as a Republican!!!"

I checked the news and saw the headline. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!111

Now to get Franken seated. Woooooo!

[tex-wyo-dem]

62. The wife just called me at work and said FAUX "news" is freaking out!

hehe

[jillan]

69. hahahaha - good!

[laylah]

65. Ya mean he's going back

to his "roots"?

[mod mom]

75. Specter's statement:

Statement by Senator Arlen Specter
(Editor's Note: This statement was released by the office of Senator Arlen Specter on April 28, 2009.)

I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

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.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

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.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania's economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords' switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy's statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/04/statement_by_senator_arlen_specter.php

[TahitiNut]

91. "my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change."

Fuck him.

[Beetwasher]

98. As Long As He Votes For CLOTURE Though, EFCA Should Pass

Let him vote against the legislation. It has enough votes to pass. It's cloture that is the problem.

[TahitiNut]

106. Keep digging. There's a pony in there somewhere. (Chasing farts in a windstorm makes more sense.)

Unless there's a defection from the GOP, there's no way in hell the conservadems will fall in line. Nelson, Nelson, Landrieu, Specter, Lieberman, and so on and so forth ... ALL of whom just LOVE to play power games. (Can you say "Gang of Fourteen"??)

It. Won't. Happen.


(I wish I were wrong. I'll be happy and surprised if I am.)

[Beetwasher]

108. Net Positive For Now, Cloture Will Be Easier (Not Automatic, But Easier)

And we can always primary him. I don't understand how this is WORSE than his being a Repub. At worst it's status quo, and in fact, I believe it's a net gain. We can always primary him. We have leverage over him we didn't have before.

How is this WORSE than his being a Repub? :shrug:

Come on TN, no need to throw the pony insult in there. We've known eachother a long time, we can disagree w/out being insulting.

[TahitiNut]

120. There's nothing insulting about the pony ... it's optimism. (Baseless optimism, imho, but optimism.)

The only way it COULD be worse than if he continued to be GOP is *IF* the Democrats could win the PA Senate seat after a GOP primary that was so vicious that it damaged both. Indeed, I believe this is the SOLE reason Specter is switching. It's a political calculus where he cut a deal with the DSCC that he'll get the Dem slot on the ballot. Specter saves himself the trouble of an expensive primary and takes advantage of the PA swing to the left ... KEEPING his Senate seat. Arlen just want's to keep on being a Senator. That's all. He's NO "Democrat" (whatever that means) and certainly no 'progressive.'

I'd personally prefer he was shit-canned and a decent progressive/liberal won the Senate seat.

[Beetwasher]

121. For Now It's A Net Gain, And We Can Also Primary Him

His seat is not necessarily any more safe than it was before. My optimism is far from baseless. Merely from a PR perspective, this is devastating to the GOP and we have leverage over him we didn't have before. He now NEEDS Dem resources. He either plays ball (not necessarily always, but on occasion and when we really need it) or he's history.

This is ALREADY a net gain merely from the PR perspective.

[TahitiNut]

123. I'll agree it's a PR gain. It adds to the perception that the GOP is becoming extinct.

At the same time, it's another lurch to the right for the Democratic Party ... anti-labor and pro-corporation.

There's a BIG difference between an ideological gain and a partisan gain. BIG.

(Reminder: I'm an independent liberal who eschews myopic partisanship.)

[Beetwasher]

129. I'm Not So Sure It's Such A Lurch To The Right

That really depends on a lot more than this single thing. Actually, any shift from the right to the left (even if it's from moderate right to center right) is still a shift left. Was Specter Hard Right or Moderate Right? This shift to Dem is a left shift (holistically speaking) either way you look at it.

[myrna minx]

111. That's the key point--if he'll vote for cloture and against the bill.

This is going to get interesting.

[mod mom]

113. Specter: "I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture"

[Beetwasher]

119. Of COURSE He Would Say That! Who Wants To Be Seen As A Tool?

Ask any Dem that question and they'd say the same thing, even though they're in control. No one wants to be seen as unquestionably towing the party line.

I wouldn't expect automatic cloture votes from him or anyone for that matter. However, we now have leverage over him we didn't have before. He needs Dem resources for re-election and we can always primary him.

[proud2BlibKansan]

77. WOW

Awesome.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

78. Keep the door ajar for Collins and Snowe.

The bigger our majorities get, the less our guys have to pretend to be DINOs. The PUBLIC is rejecting Republicans, get it? Maybe we can stop with this "the country is center right" bs and call it like it IS - the country is center-left!



:bounce:

[Jack Rabbit]

79. Wow

Well, that's one way to avoid a GOP primary challenge.

There's simply no room for moderates in Rash Windbag's Republican Party nowadays.

[Maru Kitteh]

81. WELCOME to the light, Arlen Specter.

Imagine how much better you will sleep tonight, sir.

I'm sure what you did took a lot of courage. Welcome aboard. :patriot:

[BuyingThyme]

82. April fools!

[supernova]

84. Does this free up Holy Joe to turn GOP?

I don't want to put a damper on the festivities, lord knows we could use the supermajority

but this might make it easier for JL to turn Red State officially.

[asdjrocky]

88. Wow,

I woke up this morning, switched on the news like always and it was all swine flu and I actually asked myself aloud, "Gawd, when are we going to see some real, authentic, actual news?"

Guess I just got my answer.

[Canuckistanian]

90. Does this mean he'll be voting for EFCA?

There's nothing stopping him now....

[rcrush]

92. Nope

First thing he said was that he was not changing position. Schuster just said it to. WHOOOPIE WE GET ARLEN FUCKING SPECTOR

[TahitiNut]

97. Nope. Read above. He'll continue to oppose it. (The 60-seat 'majority' is meaningless.)

:shrug:

[Lorien]

130. That's the only issue then?

Not meaningless; it will make it harder for the Dems to explain why they can't get anything done.

[Political Heretic]

136. It's one of the most important issues.

[Doctor_J]

93. It's now time for 2 million of us to descend on St. Paul and not leave

until the Repukes stop obstructing democracy there.

[barbtries]

104. for real?

that's all i could think was, for real?

[pansypoo53219]

105. but is he gonna ACT

like a democrat?

[barbtries]

107. it's on reuters

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE53R4YP20090428

apparently specter announced this himself. i'm in shock

[FraDon]

110. MagicBullet Boy has always been quick on his feet.

Short of a vengeance assassination, what's the downside for him?

[kentuck]

112. PA had turned very Democratic in the last election...

the writing was on the wall. This was a move by Specter to survive.

[RufusTFirefly]

114. No surprises here: Arlen's the king of wacky trajectories, after all.

I call it the "Magic Specter Theory."

[rucky]

116. Who else can go from RINO to DINO in a single move?

[Are_grits_groceries]

118. Do I trust him? No!

Do I love the switch? Yes! If nothing else it scrambles the Rethugs a little more. Anything that makes freeper heads explode is a plus.

[Lorien]

124. I don't trust the DINOs that we already have. The big plus here (aside from

watching Freeper heads explode) is that our party will have NO MORE EXCUSES for why they can't get things done!

[ismnotwasm]

126. Good

Not that I expect much out of him, but it's the thought that counts I guess.

"Reagen big tent" he says, like that was a good thing. I blame a lot of shit on that evil motherfucker Reagen.


Gawd. If nothing else, can hold my nose and think happy thoughts about the number 60.

[fishwax]

132. Interesting

:wow:

[crispini]

134. Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!!!!

I am indeed surprised. That's the best news I've heard all day! Woohoo!

[Skittles]

161. I WILL KICK SOME CRISPINI BUTTERBUTT

YES INDEED

[Warren DeMontague]

135. He's had it with the Jesus crazies who run the GOP.

They've been spitting on him for being pro-choice for years.

[lovuian]

140. Woohoo

:woohoo:

[MzNov]

141. Look out Evan Bayh

Specter might want your dubious position of leading the Blue Dogs now, maybe we can start the Purple Dog Caucus

:puke:

keeeeeriiiist, Specter is no Democrat. I despise politicians for switching, not because they care about people, but because they're saving their own sorry asses. But I guess the one vote he'll give us won't hurt.

[moondust]

143. "You don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows."

60? Does that count Ben Nelson, Evan Bayh's gang, and long-time Republican Arlen Specter?

[Lucian]

144. Just what the Democrats need, another DINO.

:eyes:

[Wednesdays]

154. It's one less "R" caucusing in the senate

There's no downside to that.

[philly_bob]

145. I'm a constituent and I'm happy as hell.

I always sensed that Specter knew what was right, but for one reason or another, he always caved to the pressure from Republican bosses. He talked sensibly but usually voted with the neocons.

Let's say he voted 60% wrong, 40% right when he was a Republican. Now those percentages might be reversed. Let's stop throwing tomatoes at the new guy until we find out how this will work out.

With Al Franken's looming victory, this should give Obama the Congressional support he needs to undo the damage of eight nightmarish years of Bush malfeasance.

[RavensChick]

146. Whoa!!!!!!

Usually I would say I'll believe it when I see it, but from the way things have been for the repugs since the election, I'm floored! I'll bet y'all 100-1 Keith will be all over this tonight! Count on it!

:woohoo:

[Blue Belle]

152. I'd rather see a Democrat that will take the party more to the left...

than a DINO that will take the Senate more to the center/right in this seat. I don't see where this is a good thing. We may be technically filibuster proof, but what does it matter when he votes with the Republicans? This is just a stunt to save his ass politically. He hasn't changed in areas where it matters - such as Labor Unions. He's just another albatross around our neck like Lieberman. This move will bite us in the ass in the long run.

[WI_DEM]

158. Actually Specter has a better liberal rating than some in our party in the senate.

[Blue Belle]

160. Which is saying something...

this seat would be more useful if it were held by a more liberal leaning Democrat.

[dweller]

162. and it's only Tuesday ?

what fresh hell awaits ...

dp