Sen. Specter has confirmed that he will switch to the Democratic party. I just learned (reading the NYT timeline), that he began his career as a Democrat.
My bottom line: it's a smart move. Pat Toomey almost beat him last time around, and the Republican primary won't be any easier this next time (2010). I think Rendell would knock him out in a primary battle, but Rendell doesn't seem interested. A lot of Pennsylvania Democrats have always liked him, and he won reelection even after the Anita Hill disaster. He's angered the unions with his refusal to support card check legislation, but overall he's seen as sensible.
Joe Hoeffel said he had "lost his voice" and lost his way. Maybe he has found it again--as a centrist Democrat.
I also suspect Sen. Specter is looking at the Lieberman example. He'll run in the primary, but will go on to the general election as an independent if necessary. Make no mistake: he loves being in the world's most exclusive club and he wants to stay there.
I wish I had some insight into why this matters to central PA. Anybody know if he is close to Carney? Seems like they would have some policy agreements.
Overall, I'd say the next senate election just got less interesting for progressives. I hate to say this but . . . next time around, Arlen Specter may be the progressive option. Does anyone else find that disheartening?
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Let me play instapundit.
Sen. Specter has confirmed that he will switch to the Democratic party. I just learned (reading the NYT timeline), that he began his career as a Democrat.
My bottom line: it's a smart move. Pat Toomey almost beat him last time around, and the Republican primary won't be any easier this next time (2010). I think Rendell would knock him out in a primary battle, but Rendell doesn't seem interested. A lot of Pennsylvania Democrats have always liked him, and he won reelection even after the Anita Hill disaster. He's angered the unions with his refusal to support card check legislation, but overall he's seen as sensible.
Joe Hoeffel said he had "lost his voice" and lost his way. Maybe he has found it again--as a centrist Democrat.
I also suspect Sen. Specter is looking at the Lieberman example. He'll run in the primary, but will go on to the general election as an independent if necessary. Make no mistake: he loves being in the world's most exclusive club and he wants to stay there.
I wish I had some insight into why this matters to central PA. Anybody know if he is close to Carney? Seems like they would have some policy agreements.
Overall, I'd say the next senate election just got less interesting for progressives. I hate to say this but . . . next time around, Arlen Specter may be the progressive option. Does anyone else find that disheartening?
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