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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.