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Look. We all knew this was coming. Whoever won was going to risk votes for the most conservative of the two viable options for President.

If Toomey had won, the moderates around Philly may have voted for Kerry because Toomey campaigning in Philly for Bush and himself would be meaningless and would attract nothing and they might also have voted for Hoeffel.

With Specter the winner, we are exactly where were were last week. The same guy is running for president. We can get petulant and decide Bush is to blame because he is loyal to party incumbents or we can keep an eye on the big picture -- which doesn't change. We must support the rightmost candidate who is viable in general elections. Period. In general elections there is no other responsible option.

Take solace in knowing Specter is 74. He won't be around much longer.