Statement from Chairman Steele on Senator Arlen Specter's Decision to Switch to the Democratic Party

Republican National Party ^ | 4/28/2009 | MIchael Steele

[FloridianBushFan]

WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

"Some in the Republican Party are happy about this. I am not.

Let's be honest-Senator Specter didn't leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record.

Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don't do it first."

[FloridianBushFan]

Finally Chairman Steele calls it as it really is. Specter is only caring about himself. He actually shows some balls in this statement.

[iowamark]

Why hasn’t Steele been fired yet? That should have happened the day after Obama won the NY-20 special election.

[Sparky1776]

I would have a lot more respect for Steele if he threw Snowe & Collins out too, Like now!

[devane617]

I know Dims are dumb by nature, but can they be so dumb as would be necessary when supporting Specter?

[Tarpon]

After five straight strikeouts, Steele hits a grounder and is on first. Still needs work.

[BigSkyFreeper]

It’s a welcome change from all that non-stop praise and adoration of Obama and his policies.

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

“Finally Chairman Steele calls it as it really is.”

Uh.....he’s only parroting Rush, LOL

[Man50D]

Let's be honest-Senator Specter didn't leave the GOP based on principles of any kind.

Try being honest Mr. Steele. The Republican party left conservative principles a long time ago.

[AreaMan]

Wow, Mr. Steele gets it and more importantly said it in public.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I would have thought Steele would have resigned too. Afterall, he’s said about as much as Specter said today about the direction of the GOP even going so far as to try and pick a fight with Rush Limbaugh and to tamp out criticism of Obama and his far left policies. Unfortunately, Steele didn’t publicly support Toomey.

[advance_copy]

I understand Steele expressing his disappointment. As RNC Chairman, he can do nothing less. But he should know Specter was never going to stick with the GOP on any effort to block the Obamam socialist agenda. He showed his colors on the porkulus bull.

Arlen Specter will be irrelevant in a matter of days. The only attention he ever had was as a “Republican” that agreed with Democrats. He can no longer play that schtick.

And Pennsylvania is a pro-life state. The RATS had to nominate a self-described pro-life RAT in order to beat Santorum in 2006, a terrible year for the GOP.

Specter, now a pro-abortion Democrat, will be running against a pro-life Republican who does not alienate the Keystone State’s conservative base. Chairman Steele is right. We will beat Specter in 2010.

[anonsquared]

It doesn’t matter what you do Arlen, you’re still going to LOSE!

[Paladin2]

Arlen, following Jumpin’ Jim down the road to oblivion.

[SunkenCiv]

Senator Specter didn't leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record. Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don't do it first.

[lynn4303]

I heard Arlen Specter's own words. He said he switched because he was not going to end his career in a republican primary. He is basically saying he is not a republican. He is not a democrat. He is whatever it takes to get elected. He has no convictions or beliefs. No guiding principles, except whatever it takes to remain in office. If the communist party rose to prominence he would become a communist. If the NAMBLA party became a front runner he would become a pedophile.

I have no respect for this slimy sack. I could respect him if he believed in his convictions, but he's not even a democrat. What he is, is a good waste of oxygen. A waste of human flesh. Just the most worthless piece of garbage that can exist. He lives just to be elected and performs just to get reelected. He doesn't know why he is there, just that he must stay. If he was any type of man he would look in the mirror and resign tomorrow. But he's not. He's just worthless

[steadfastconservative]

I’m happy Specter has left the GOP. We are well rid of him. His departure shows how hollow and meaningless the concept “moderate Republican” really is. A moderate Republican is someone who will eventually betray the party that had always supported him once it becomes politically expedient to do so because moderates have no core values (except liberal ones). If all of the liberal Republicans left, the party would be stronger. Good riddance Arlen.

[KJC1]

Why did Specter pick today to make this announcement? He’s been a not-so-closted D for a long time. Perhaps to deflect the news of the NY flyover and demands for an explanation? (Yeah, I know that sounds tin-foily, but still...)

[BigSkyFreeper]

He begun his political career as a Democrat and might as well end it as one. I say, “Good riddance”. It’s been a long damn time coming.

[chevydude26]

geez...letting the states decide is what is constitutionally accurate

a lot of you guys obsession with a strict view against these social issues will hurt us fiscally and economically as the dems will just continue to get in power and raise taxes and spending and more government programs

we’ve had gop in power for a long time and what have we gotten done in terms of abortion and gay marriage? its up to the judges anyway so as long as our candidates put in conservatives we’ll be fine....

but this type of thinking gave us McCain as our nominee...and probably disqualify economic genuises like forbes