Posted on 04/28/2009 9:26:22 AM PDT by pillut48
Statement by Senator Arlen Specter
I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.
Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.
Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate.
I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.
I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.
I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
“The man has no principles, but rather, is a politician, period. He’d join the communist party if he thought he’d get elected.”
He just did.
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Indeed. I am constantly astounded at the people that are in denial as to what this POS in the WH is all about.
On the other hand, Specter is old as dirt and a survivor of two bouts of brain cancer. Him being around for the next general election is not a foregone conclusion.
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we can only hope. Karma is a b*tch you know.
That explains why he survived, he has no brain.
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You've got a point.
I never thought Specter would do something like this - always thought he enjoyed being in the spotlight as a Republican who could be a thorn in the side to his own party or the other in the times when he actually was on the right side to gain himself publicity. It appears he thinks this will help his re-election chances - more selfish than I thought. His words that he is not defined by party begs the question as to why he would even switch - they are hollow words.
In any event, this does not make much difference in the current make up in the Senate functionally...he was never reliable as a filibuster vote. It would be sweet if this results in his ultimate failure to win re-election.
“It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable.”
yup yup. I can understand those who aren’t for tax cuts because they believe in a balanced budget. I respect the concord coalition even though I disagree with them. They sincerely believe in fiscal responsibility.
Arlen Specter just wants to bankrupt this country. Shame on him.
The root problem here is that these arrogant, self-serving idiots in DC and many states believe that the welfare of the country is based upon their life-long holding of elected positions. They will do anything to remain in power.
You are spot on. What did he expect voting for that “stimulus” piece of garbage? He complains that the party has moved “far to the right.” Voting against that hardly required anyone to be “far to the right.” McCain was leading the fight against it, for goodness sake.
What a loser. I’d say adios, but you were never here! Toomey would have kicked his ass and had not W and other pubbies gone to Pa in ‘04 and campaigned for him, he would not be there today. Good riddance.
Specter- not defined by party, but by a close synonym of “pond scum.”
I remember that impeachment vote like it was yesterday. He said something along the lines of ‘I’m going to apply Scottish law’ and he was abruptly cut off by the roll caller who barked out ‘Nay’ and moved on to the next Senator.
He would have voted with the dems with or without officially switching parties. It matters not whether there is a D or an R next to his name.
That’s right. The longer Republicans are in power in Washington, the more they start behaving like Democrats, more liberal on social issues, bigger spenders, etc. But have you ever seen anyone get more conservative (socially or fiscally) after being in Washington for years?
Sad thing is that after 20 million illegals are legalized any conservative party is out of power for at least our lifetimes. The RNC has no one but itself to blame.
Benidict Arlen says he represents no party?
Why did he jump to the dems instead of the ind party?
Defecter Spectre is a bold face liar!
“He claims to take on all comers.....but he won’t want to take on Toomey in the primary.”
You got that right.
Step 1 scare the RINOs...check
Step 2 scare the democrats...next up.
Step 3 scare 0bama....after that.
Sooner or later the demos will get scared. Right now they are (or should be) concerned and confused where the country is.
0bama? He is just too stupid to know anything.
It is SOOOO helpful of Arlen Specter to relieve the beltway Republicans of these moral dilemmas of supporting incumbent RINOs.
At least now we can call Specter the ex-Rino. Slither on you ex-Rino POS.
Just yesterday I returned yet another RNC fund raising request telling them to go to hell for their support of Specter. Specter must have read my response on their flyer.
The RNC is so out of touch with, not just their base, but 49% of America it is jaw dropping. It really is.
RNC...QUIT trying to out democrat the Democrats.
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