I welcome Specter's switch, if just to piss off the party he's stepping away from.

[bigtree]

I wouldn't vote for him in a primary, as a Democrat, though. He's not going to be the type of a Democrat that most here can identify with, and it's some real bullshit he's selling that his views are anywhere near 'close' to those of the majority of our party and supporters. His views may well be close to those of several of our more conservative Democrats, but his views and philosophy will be an anathema to our values and agenda - even on health care, where I imagine he wants to put his grandstanding, republican-lite imprint on legislation he'll posture to influence with his vote.

I think he's a menace and will be an unnecessary dilution of the Democratic values most of us are fighting for. I'm just not sure we'll actually need him__ not in the way I believe he intends to operate. He's switching in a cynical attempt to avoid the backlash in his state against the policies he's given aid and comfort to all of these years. We may well get his vote, but he'll never be a 'Democratic' influence on the legislation that he's a part of producing.

[rollingrock]

1. He is way too conservative

but let's be honest most Senate Dems aren't much better, so Specter would probably feel right at home with them.

[sendero]

2. Exactly...

... I'll never forgive him for the Anita Hill witchtrial, but it warms the cockles of my heart to think of the angst this is going to cause the Repugs.

America is speaking, and they are saying "just say no to more idiot Republicans in Washington".

And they are saying it loud and clear.

[Demeter]

3. I Can't Help My Apprehension

Beware of GOP bearing gifts.

Arlen Specter is creepy. And 79. He's not likely to be able to run in a year. It may not matter which primary he's in. Even if he survived the election, he would milk it for all it's worth.

[opihimoimoi]

4. Loyalty is the gauge....if he is uncomfortable...announce resignation at end of term..thats class

[MadrasT]

5. As a lifelong PA resident, with mixed feelings

I have kicked and rec'd this because the title made me :rofl:

Nothing better than pissed off Repukes. I'm series!!!1!1