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.
“It’s 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.
Specter’s 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.
“It’s a possibility in the sense that almost anything is a possibility,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Thanks...good to hear about the “sore loser” law in PA. The only chance ol’ Scottish Law has to get re-elected this time around is probably if he bolts the party. Better sooner than later.
With Specter, Republicans should take the Sam Malone approach from Cheers: “I dumped you first.”
Just retire him. The man needs a rest.
How would we ever know the difference?
He’s done.
Is there a chance that Pat Tilman (?) could win in PA?
Pat Toomey. He's the one that ran against Arlen in the Republican primary, but lost because RNC money went to Arlen.
Pat Tilman is dead. He's the ex-NFL who joined the US Army after Sept 11, 2001 and was killed while serving.
“(Ever notice that when you have a Bush as Prez, they leave the GOP in shambles by the time they leave office?).”
It’s the reason why I will never support Jeb, and I don’t care if he is the most conservative of the lot. We just can’t afford another Bush after 12 years of White House regrets with them after the bluster they were like Reagan.
It just runs in their blood, I guess.
When is the RNC going to address the open primary problem around the country?
You are assuming the Republican Party is, like you, interested in nominating the person the GOP grassroots wants.
You are also probably assuming that, like you, the GOP wants to nominate the most conservative electable candidate.
IMHO, you need to check your assumptions.
Maybe a thread per day on the republican primary system reform issue would help us motivate them!
Without it we will continue to get Democrat Lite!
All of the calories and all the taste......bad!
Having rejected Democratic overtures to switch parties, Sen. Arlen Specter is raising the possibility he may spurn the GOP and run as an independent.
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