Citizen... here's where this whole discussion comes into clearer focus... you write:
"I agree Spectre is reprehensible, but voting for him at this point is the best hope we have. He'll at least support the Republicans on some issues, whereas a Democrat would vote for their party line"
There is no delusion that Hoeffel will vote "with us". It is a agreed that he has absolutely no redeeming qualities. None! However, and this is the key... a Hoeffel (would-be Junior Senator) victory knocks out a 24-year liberal RINO who is set to become chair of the Senate Judiciary.
As chair of SJC, with potentially 3 Supreme Court replacements in the next 4 years, Specter will have an opportunity to impact this nation for 30 years or more by blocking conservative appointments. And this doesn't even begin to address the large number of lower court appointments. If Specter is not Chair (because he loses), a very conservative (and consistent) John Kyl will ascend. And as to the commentary concerning the loss of the seat relative to keeping the majority, most analysts (even the Democrats) are expecting that the R's are actually in position to gain seats.
Finally, you further write:
"A vote for a third-party candidate is as good as not voting at all, and Democrats are too busy supporting baby killers and homosexuality--not much chance for conservatism there!"
If we vote 3rd party, that's only taking 1 vote away from Specter. If our goal is to actually remove Specter from office, a vote for Hoeffel in effect counts as 2 votes. Concerning the comment of "too busy supporting baby killers", be mindful of the fact that Specter has consistently voted pro-abortion. And he wants to take no proactive position to support traditional marriage laws in Pennsylvania.
Your thoughts are insightful... I hope you (and others) will cut well beneath the outer layer on this issue to expose the rotten core for what it really is.
Jim,
I'm going to have you do my writing for me. You said what I was trying to say and you did it much better. Thanks.