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Reactions among NOPers at work to Specter's switch were generally, "he might as well be a Democrat as he votes that way anyways..."
I'm sure the limbaugh party is or will be out in force today with Specter bashing and other wailing, and Specter will have to face the wrath of the elephants within the halls of congress.
As was recently reported - only 31% of voters consider themselves Republicans, toss in the 11/08 election results and Specter party switch, you would think this is a WAKE-UP call for the Republican party to do some serious soul-searching and take a hard look at their direction. (yeah, I know repubs have no souls.... ;) ) How many more alarm bells do they need?
While Specter joining the Democratic majority is a good thing for the Democratic Party - there is also danger in being the majority - i.e. getting drunk on power. We only have to look to the past years of Republican Rule to see what happens when one party is in absolute control.
That being said, it's not up to the Democratic party to rebuild the Republican party in order to ensure a balance of power. Rebuilding the Republican party is up to the Republicans. However, it is up to the Dems to use their power responsibily or they too will find themselves in the same position as today's republican party.
I know there are republicans and conservatives out there who consider themselves moderates, and still believe in small government and fiscal responsibility - but beyond the slogans and soundbites - this is NOT the the Republican Party of today. The neo-cons and radical-reich are still driving the Republican party and they refuse to let someone else take over the wheel.
Specter's switch is also going to make is more difficult for other repub moderates in congress to "vote with the dems". You know as well as I, Specter is going to be raked over the coals in the same manner as Jeffords was when he switched from republican to independent. Specter will be made into an example of what happens when you "piss off an elephant".
Conversely, if the repubs really go overboard with the tar and feathering of Specter, it may push the more moderate repubs to go "independent".
Meanwhile, break out the :popcorn: - the show is about to begin
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