Specter's statement: "Not defined" by party

Politico via Drudge ^ | April 28, 2009 | Arlen Specter

[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 not represented the Republican Party.

I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

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.

[Anti-Bubba182]

He is a special, extra strength case, of POS to switch parties at THIS time. He is a seasoned player, he know exactly what this means. It is like Colin Powell’s 11th hour endorsement of Obama. The old traitors know when and where to stick the knife.

[adm5]

How is it that here in Texas, one of the most Conservative states in America, has 2 RINO’s for U.S. Senators, and a RINO Gov.?

Sure, Perry a.k.a. Silky Pony II is playing like he’s a real tough-guy Conservative (election time); John Cornyn dusts off his cowboy hat for election time commercials - then goes right back to being a useless weak-kneed RINO - who voted for the first $700 Billion Banker Bailout Bonanza, along w/ precious Kay Bailey.

Truly sickening.

[OCCASparky]

Let’s get rid of Snowe, Collins, McCain, etc., too.

Given the leftward shift of NH over the past decade, I really shouldn't be talking, but there are still a few REAL conservatives left here. Too bad Specter couldn't take Snowe and Collins with him, or as I like to refer to them in front of my Maine friends, "Obama's Comfort Girls."

[Vaquero]

I have not represented the Republican Party

well DUH!

[lormand]

Let is see how many times Specter sides with the GOP now that he is a RAT. I would expect from his statement, that we will be seeing some votes along with the GOP.

Of course, we know that he will vote RAT 98% of the time.

[demsux]

Now if we can just get rid of Collins and Snowe

[angelcindy]

oh ur a loser specter no matter what party you represent!!!

[Deo volente]

The old geezer wants to hold onto his cushy Senate job with all the perks attached to it.

There’s nothing more to it than that.

[wk4bush2004]

“Too bad Specter couldn’t take Snowe and Collins with him”

Yeah, unfortunately we’re going to have to wait until 2012 for Snowe and 2014 for Collins.

[exit82]

Benedict Arnold.

Quisling.

Spector.

Synonymous with TRAITOR.

This SOB cares only for himself, not any party, not his country. At 74, and having fought cancer, he still has willingly joined the party of death and Communism.

[BibChr]

I think you bolded the wrong sentence.

I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate.

Translation: I figured out that my party has figured out that I'm not really with them, and I wouldn't win. Plus, the Dems offered me a sweet deal. So, since it's always been about Me... seeya!

[Billthedrill]

I'm just glad he's going to return all that money the Republican party spent to get him re-elected.

Oh, he isn't? What a shock.

[anniegetyourgun]

Is that because you think the people of Maine will elect conservatives? Collins and Snowe are already Dems and should be treated as such. If they are replaced with Dems, it makes no difference.

[Rational Thought]

Their dumb out of desperation. PA IS A WELFARE STATE! Their only survival at this point is to rely upon Government. It is the perfect example of what Socialism creates.

[Jeff Head]

Spectre is now simply stating the obvious and acting accordingly...but his move is much more about him and what he feels are his chances for re-election, than ideology, principle, or anything else...which, IMHO, paints the most accurate picture of the man.

THE AUDACITY OF TRUTH ABOUT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

NOW WE KNOW WHAT A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER DOES

OBAMA, THE STOCK MARKET, AND ENERGY

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IN HIS OWN WORDS

THE AUDACITY OF TRUTH ABOUT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA'S UPBRINGING

IT'S TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE OLD SCHOOL

[LRS]

Sen. Arlen Pétain, former Vichy Republican...

[Galena Nevada]

Smith lost his race in Oregon to a Dem. He is gone.

[Gay State Conservative]

I think Specter's closer to *this* wing of the RAT Party.

[Hacklehead]

Good Riddence Benedict ARLEN.

[jennyjenny]

No kidding. The most liberal congress and president we’ve seen was what finally convinced him to change to their party. BYE!!