Barney Frank Unloads On Specter: It's 'Reasonable' To Challenge Him

[babylonsister]

Frank: It Would Be Reasonable For Dems To Challenge Specter
By Brian Beutler - June 8, 2009, 4:32PM


GQ's Lisa DePaulo conducted a long interview with Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)--the quick-witted, at times acerbic, chair of the House Financial Services Committee--and among many other things, she asked him about his party's newest member. "{A}s a Democrat," Frank said, "I'm glad to have him."

But as an elected official, I have to say I don't think he did our profession any good. First of all, to announce that it was done purely so he could survive. Secondly, his performance since then has been very disappointing. In particular, what troubled me was when he was quoted as saying, "Well..." In terms of no Jewish Republicans, the answer should have been, Who cares? That's not a relevant issue. But then, when he said, Oh, but I'm confident the courts in Minnesota will do justice to Norm Coleman, and then said, Oh, I forgot which side I'm on!--forget about forgetting which side he's on. What that says is, his view of what the law should be depends on what party he's in. This notion that your view of what's an appropriate legal decision depends on your party is shocking for a guy who's supposed to be this great lawyer.

So what does that mean, in his mind, for the 2010 election? Frank said, "there's an erratic behavior pattern there that's very troubling. I think at this point it's entirely reasonable for some Democrats to think about challenging him." Unfortunately, the interview doesn't touch on Specter's most likely challenger--Frank's House colleague Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA).

more...

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/06/frank-it-would-be-reasonable-for-dems-to-challenge-specter.php?ref=fpb

[redqueen]

1. Hah.

Excellent.

[jedr]

2. Sestak was in Pittsburgh today campaigning;

Unless Specter gets a hell of a lot more labor friendly, he's gone.

[Chisox08]

3. I'm glad Sestak is challenging Specter

Nothing gives Specter the right to run unchallenged for his Senate seat.

[asjr]

4. I love Barney Frank--he doesn't

hold back about anything!

[Selatius]

5. I find it funny that the Democratic Party is attempting to snuff out Joe Sestak's campaign.

If he wants to run in a primary against Specter, let him run. Let the people decide, for God's sake.

[valerief]

6. I'd love to hear what Barney says about Sestak! nt