Senator Arlen Specter, in a major development, announced today that he is running for re-election as a Democrat. Specter was facing an almost certain loss in the Republican primary to Club for Growth guru Pat Toomey, who led Specter by over 10 points in some recent polling. Chris Cillizza of The Fix at the Washington Post broke the story this morning. Specter would have to be considered a big favorite in a general election campaign against Toomey, if he can safely secure the Democratic nomination. Specter’s switch will now bring the Democratic caucus in the Senate to 60 after the arrival of Al Franken of Minnesota. From the Specter statement:
“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.” …
“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.”
So the Republicans drive out another moderate, and their numbers continue to dwindle. Specter had been heavily criticized by Toomey for supporting the Obama stimulus bill. He was one of only three Republicans to do so.
Bill Manzi.com 
Your Honor,
He is where he should be. Good luck to him.
Now I guess the Democrats have 60 vote veto proof majority. No you guys can own the entire country.
I wonder if there is room for Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe?
Jules
LikeLike
It’s very, very hard to suppress a grin right now.
The Long March Towards Rampant Socialism Continues!
-FM
LikeLike
Complete aside, but can someone make sure that Michael Steele gets a microphone every day?
-FM
LikeLike
Jules,
You guys keep throwing them out, and we will keep taking them. Maybe we can get to 62.
Bill
LikeLike
So Michael Steele is for pandemic money only after pandemic outbreak, or will he try to spin that too?
LikeLike
I get dizzy just listening to him.
Remember Bobby Jindal and the volcano monitoring? I’m thinking that whatever disaster these guys start talking about, we better start preparing for …
-FM
LikeLike
Your Honor,
Have you heard what Harry Reid promised Arlen Specter to change parties?
He was assured he could keep his seniority and transfer it to the Democratic party lists. That would mean he would be eligible for positions of leadership catapulting over several democratic party members.
They are ticked.
Did Harry Reid go one step too far? After all Specter was in a corner to switch in order to have a chance to get re-elected? I don’t believe he needed that level of bribe.
If you want me I’ll be over sitting beside Fred and Grinning.
Jules RWT
LikeLike