I understand the distrust of Specter, but the fact is the majority still does not have sufficient control over the Senate & it would be unwise to alienate one of its most powerful members, particularly one with little to lose. Better to buy him off than create a powerful enemy by taking away what he has earned by tradition of the Senate. With the ability to filibuster and block nominations still in the minority's hands, our side needs someone who can speak to that side of the aisle and reason with them. Specter is not likely to run for re-election, so he has less reason to pander to the lliberals. He is free to show his loyalty and dance with the ones that brung him. Remember, as far as the liberals are concerned, he has betrayed them as often as he has betrayed us -- they hated him for what he did in the Thomas hearings, and he nearly lost that time around. He's a guy nobody loves, and with the stronger GOP majority, he needs his caucus more than his caucus needs him.
He knows the game, he'll play ball. And if he doesn't, he can always be taken out later.
"Specter is not likely to run for re-election, so he has less reason to pander to the lliberals. He is free to show his loyalty and dance with the ones that brung him."
I've read much and considered everything mentioned in these "Dump Sphincter" or "Keep Specter" postings over the past few days. I find your line of reasoning, and Hewitt's, such as "I understand the distrust of Specter, but..." and your posting above to be indicative of the key reason for allowing Specter to assume the Chairmanship. To me, arguments such as yours are unadulterated bulls**t. I maintain that ANY rationale for rewarding a two-faced traitorous coward like Specter are completely bogus, even dangerous. Anyone who advocates cutting a deal with an idiot like Specter is truly blind. Have you forgotten the Lott-Jeffords fiasco? Lott cut Jeffords nothing but slack and gave him everything under the sun trying to keep that SOB in the Republican ranks. In the end, Jeffords kicked Lott in the ass and became a turncoat anyway. Lott himself looked like a stupid fool. Next, consider the many concessions that Bush has made to Democrats, like his NCLB initiative, particularly for Kennedy. What did that vile POS do to return Bush's favor? We all know the answer to that one.
I believe that Bush's mandate requires that Bush keep the faith with those who have made his success possible. Turncoats and RINOS, like Specter, do not deserve special consideration or accommodation. Bush needs to pursue his own agenda without compromise. Any person that jeopardizes that success must be removed and replaced at this juncture, regardless of outdated practice or procedure. Specter can find some other function to perform. And, by the way, if the guy had any brains or good judgment, he never would have jeopardized his position by flying off the handle the way he did. He has made himself immediately suspect and must be disqualified as the Committee Chair.