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I think there may be some strategery going on here.
Congressman BillyBob says he expects THREE retirements by the end of the current term. It is possible that Arlen has a better rapport with certain scumbags like Leahy, Kennedy, and Shumer than Orrin did. Also, I think maybe Orrin has generally become too familiar and / or less effective. The other Senators don't listen to him anymore.

In any event, this change has a certain 'setting-the-table-for-Supreme-Court-nominations' feel to it. Maybe it is believed by the Bush Administration that nominees will get a fairer shake if "moderate" Arlen Specter is front and center pushing them, especially from a public relations point of view - - after all, Arlen would never support some right-wing extremist, right? This change really comes out of the blue, but I definitely do not see any cause for alarm here. This could work out.

That's if this article is correct and Hatch is stepping down immediately, rather than continuing for the rest of the term.

Assuming that's the case...that is an interesting take. They did a similar thing by making Specter the point man in exposing Hill and getting Thomas confirmed...Specter nearly lost his next election because of it.