We got Arlen, can Olympia be far behind?

[leftofcool]

[TheWraith]

1. Pro-choice, pro-gay-rights, pro-environment...

Doesn't sound much like a Republican to me.

[Arkana]

3. This is true--he's more of a Democrat than his PA colleague Bob Casey

or guys like Evan Bayh.

[LynneSin]

7. You're shitting me - Bob Casey Jr? Don't let his stance on choice fool you

He was ranked one of the most liberal democrats from the last congressional term. You take away his pro-life stance (which is not as harsh as your standard-issue republican), the guy is the ultimate liberal. Hell he voted against activist judicial appointments which shocked the hell out of me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Dog_Democrats#Members
BTW - do you see Casey's name on here? He's not DLC either!

[TheWraith]

8. I was referring to Olympia Snowe. :D

[DURHAM D]

2. At least they will not have to give away the farm to Olympia -

as they did for Spector.

[Captain Hilts]

15. Losing the R primary by potentially 20% left him little to bargain with. nt

[BuyingThyme]

4. Well, she just lost a lot of power, didn't she. There's an easy way to get it back.

[ronnykmarshall]

5. Jump Olympia! JUMP!

[glinda]

9. I am waiting!!!!!!!!!! Jump! Jump!

My preference is for Progressives all the way around but right now, I will take what we can get provided they help the President for the People's will.

[LynneSin]

6. Neither of them are up for re-election in 2010

Which means they have time to fight for their right to be in the republican party. Snowe runs in 2012. If things don't improve by then I could see her switching or perhaps running for Governor instead.

[samplegirl]

10. Not at all...................

she will follow!!!!!!!!!!

[leftofcool]

11. I hope so, I really like her

She is also classy looking

[Captain Hilts]

12. Send a handsome masseuse carrying chocolate and flowers to her house. nt

[LostinVA]

13. I'd rather have her than five of him

I was petrified McCain was going to choose her as his running mate.

I could live with Susie Collins as a D, too.

on edit: because of personal reasons, I doubt Snowe would ever become a DEm. MAYBE an Indepenednt.

[Captain Hilts]

14. Same here. I'd MUCH prefer one Ollie over five Arlen. Not even close. nt

[fishwax]

17. definitely n/t

[KharmaTrain]

16. If I'm McChinless I've Got Some Damage Control To Do...

This one's gotta hurt. The rushpublicans had to think they could whip Arlen and he's come back for more. He just gave Mitchie the finger...and his ex party in a deeper hole.

Yep...there's gotta be a lot of pressure right now building under any remaining moderate rushpublicans...especially Collins & Snowe who have been savaged by the hate radio crowd as much, if not more, than Specter. Now what's Pruneface McConnell to do? Does he reach out to keep them from bolting or alienate those on his right...and there are plenty. This throws his "game plan" to obstruct into disarray cause this now takes cloture off the table on most issues.

Most important...consider this a big win for healthcare as Specter is sure to hop on board for any reform coming down the pike.