Posted on 03/19/2009 11:04:46 AM PDT by bestintxas
Having rejected Democratic overtures to switch parties, Sen. Arlen Specter is raising the possibility he may spurn the GOP and run as an independent.
Its an abstract possibility, the Pennsylvania Republican also told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, regarding an independent bid. But I am not making any plans on it.
Specter has suggested he would only do so as a last resort, and would continue to caucus with Republicans.
Specter has been under fire from GOP conservatives particularly in his home state due to his moderate positions. He was one of only three Republican senators who voted for the $787 billion stimulus bill passed by Congress.
After representing the Keystone State for five terms, Specter is expected to face a tough primary battle for the 2010 GOP nomination. One potential rival is former GOP Rep. Patrick J. Toomey, who ran against him in 2004.
Specter, 79, also expects a strong Democratic challenge in the general election, possibly from Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa.
Specters status as a swing vote in the Senate has made him, at least in some quarters, one of its most influential members. In his interview with the Los Angeles Times, Specter appeared to downplay the notion that he might entertain an independent bid.
Its a possibility in the sense that almost anything is a possibility, he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
He knows he screwed up but hes such a vain poopycock who will not give up power willingly. Greedy, vainglorious, selfish, dishonest and so very screwed.
Pat Tilman died as a Ranger in Afghanistan, I believe. Do you mean Lynn Swann?
He has $6 Million stockpiled to run. All those Senate deals with the Democrats have been very profitable for him.
No Lynn Swann please! He ran an absolutely horrible campaign against Ed Rendell!
Just go you backstabbing bastard Sphincter. Go be a Obamacrat along with your fellow Pennsylvanian, John Murtha. You two will make a perfect set of book ends.
Hey Arlen! Don’t let the door hit ya in the A$$ on yer way out!
bye bye creep.
(Arlen Specter Hints He May Spurn GOP)
Not a hint Arlen but a fact. As an American and a Pennsylvanian I am spurning YOU. Tired of you being a lawyer instead of a represntative of the people that elected you. Besides you never were a Republican to start with...........
Specter enjoys his position as one of three Senators who will screw his own party for a favor or two.
This is a transparent shot across the bow of any primary challengers. Specter is basically saying, if you beat me in the primary, I will run as an independent in the general and either win or see to it that you dont win.
It is smart hardball politics on his part. It may well scare opponents out of the primary. I don’t like a lot of what Specter does, but he wont be the last incumbent to use the Lieberman example to hint to potential primary opponents that even if you can get the prarty nomination, it will be worthless to you.
Good. Get rid of him
Does PA have a “Sore Loser” law where one can’t run as a write-in or indy if he’s been beaten in a primary (like Lieberman did in CN)? Jumping the GOP may be the only way to scoot by the Primary, where he’ll be challenged, straight to the General, where he’d win with Rat votes.
If PA returns him to the senate, I vote we kick PA out of the union. Any FReepers and other conservatives are welcome to move to my state. You’ll be in good company and a much better climate!
I really have mixed feelings about this. I’ve been wanting to change to independant for some while now but have remained Republican just so I can vote against Specter in the 2010 primary. Unless the legislature changes to an open primary I don’t think old Arlen has a chance to win.
Will not happen - PA has a "sore loser" law that prohibits the loser of a primary from running in the general with the other party or as an independent.
That is not all of Arlen's problems. The PA primary is closed - no 'Rats or independents allowed. A recent poll of GOP voters here showed a 66-26 preference for bouncing Arlen. He is trying to get the state GOP to open up the primary.
Actually, the smart thing for him would be to turn 'Rat in name as well as deed. If he doesn't, he is toast next spring.
See post 37
See post 37
Now that he senses that republicans have had enough of his double dealing he hints he might make it official.
"You can't fire me - I quit!"
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.