Arlen Specter Switches to Democrat

[rnatalli]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-specter-democrats29-2009apr29,0,2833098.story

He won't be the last. The GOP better get themselves in order.

 

[Matt34]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-specter-democrats29-2009apr29,0,2833098.story

He won't be the last. The GOP better get themselves in order.

There is very little difference between the people that sit to the left or right of the aisle imo.

 

[billy p]

Just listening to the press conference and haven listened to him on prior occasions, wasn't he considered a moderate? That IMO was a big reason the GOP lost so much ground in the last election. So then, what will become of the Republican Party because the middle is being sucked out of the GOP and they make up most of the undecided voter's each election and they're wavering to the left.

 

[Swerd]

Party switching has a long history. These are only the ones who, in more recent times, switched while they held national office (except for the very first on the list).

There are plenty more listed here.

DEM to GOP
1962 Ronald Reagan (long before he ran for office)
1964 Strom Thurmond (while US Senator from South Carolina)
1965 Arlen Spector (while running for Philadelphia District Attorney)
1970 Jesse Helms (2 years before running as Republican for US Senate)
1972 Trent Lott (while running for US House of Representatives from Mississippi)
1973 Mills Godwin (Dem governor of Virginia 1966-70, elected as GOP governor 1974-78)
1973 Samuel Hayakawa (3 years before running for US Senate from California)
1975 John Jarman (while US Representative from Oklahoma, retired in 1976)
1981 Bob Stump (while US Representative from Arizona)
1981 Eugene Atkinson (while US Representative from Pennsylvania)
1983 Phil Graham (while US Representative from Texas)
1984 Andy Ireland (while US Representative from Florida)
1986 Richard Baker (while running for US Representative from Louisiana)
1989 Bill Grant (while US Representative from Florida)
1989 Tommy Robinson (while US Representative from Arkansas)
1990 Vito Fossella (while US Representative from New York)
1994 Richard Shelby (while US Senator from Alabama)
1995 Jimmy Hayes (while US Representative from Louisiana)
1995 Greg Laughlin (while US Representative from Texas)
1995 Mike Parker (while US Representative from Mississippi)
1996 Norm Coleman (while mayor of St. Paul, MN before becoming US Senator)
2000 Matthew Martinez (while US Representative from California)
2002 Virgil Goode (while US Representative from Virginia, became IND in 2000)
2004 Ralph Hall (while US Representative from Texas)

GOP to DEM
1972 Ogden Reid (while US Representative from New York)
1973 Don Riegle (while US Representative from Michigan)
1999 Michael Forbes (while US Representative from New York)
2009 Arlen Spector (AGAIN! while US Senator from Pennsylvania)

 

[jamie2112]

I am not suprised at all. The gop is losing ground every day. It really doesn't suprise me that a few are going to abandon the ship as it goes down.....

 

[itschris]

Specter was not a moderate by any stretch of the imagination.. especially the past 5 years. He's been a very liberal Republican. Let's put this into perspective though shall we. The first order of business for any politician is to get reelected. That wasn't going to happen for the Senator especially after voting for the ridiculous spending bill. That was the initial play by him to basically start off the 2010 campaign to counter his eroding support he's had with Republicans.. He needed the liberal vote and that was one of the most visable ways to get to there. Obama had already promised to campaign for him so it was really a forgone conclusion to most politics-watchers.

I'm not entirely sure 2010 will be the happiest of times for Democrats. If you look at a lot of the polls, Obama is still rated high as the image, but policy-wise, he's taken quite a tumble on popularity though those who feel that way still can't bring themselves to stand opposed to the man. For now, Obama still benefits greatly from that disconnect of public sentiment... the style vs. substance issue. However, I'm not so sure those in Congress will benefit the same. The tide of sentiment has been steadily shifting away from the actions of this administration. More and more, people are getting a bit disconcerted with the power grabs... the latest looking like the Administration has handed a large chunk of GM to the UAW who own less of the bond debt than do the everyday citizen. I think the Administration simply banks on these kinds of things, which are outright political payback and back scratching, as something that won't be exposed or at least explained or challenged enough in the mainstream media to gain traction. Having NBC in their pocket through the GE/Cap & Trade underhanded dealings helps to secure that notion and most just can't bring themselves to be critical of this Administration just yet. Time will tell however.

As for Specter, I'd rather have him on the Dem side. He's rather typical of most politicians. I'd like a few others to switch parties as well.... and in my opinion, there are at least 4 or 5 other Dems that I cannot figure out why they are affiliated with that party. I'd welcome them to the GOP. Unfortunately, most politicians, regardless of their side, will gravitate towards the brightest light. Right now, it's Obama. Until everyone gets over their love affair with the image and starts holding him accountable for what's being done, he will still be the guy to stand next to for many.

 

[annunaki]

Why does it matter the letter in front of their name? They all work together (for their own purposes) anyway.

This does not surprise me one bit if anyone has listened to him at all over the past 5 years. He most likely helped sabotage many potentially beneficial bills that were attempted in the senate. He was/is joke and I don't feel sorry for any "republican" who voted for him.

 

[itschris]

Why does it matter the letter in front of their name? They all work together (for their own purposes) anyway.

This does not surprise me one bit if anyone has listened to him at all over the past 5 years. He most likely helped sabotage many potentially beneficial bills that were attempted in the senate. He was/is joke and I don't feel sorry for any "republican" who voted for him.

This will be a shock... but I agree absolutely agree with you.

What he's done is so transparent and I'm a little surprised the Dems have been so public about it... kind of the playground taunting method. The thing is, the whole switch is sort of being exposed as the the worst kind of politics. Just around St. Patrick's day he was saying that he would remain a Republican... that it was crucial for him to do so to maintain the balance... then... after most recent polls showing him further receeding in the popularity, he suddenly makes this move. Very transparent. I think the Democrats of honor are not happy at all the way the spin has been laid out there, but your usual suspects in the Dem party can't help themselves. The truth is, he's not good for either party. I want both Republicans and Democrats to be successful and thrive because that what makes this country steamroll. The last 10 years has seen an epic erosion of ethics and integrity on both sides. When Clinton took office, celebrity somehow became interwoven with politics and it's never been quite the same. Both sides suffer. There are very fine congressman and women serving right now on both sides, but the leadership is too busy twisting arms and as Obama plainly put it, "Keeping score." When the goal is to succeed as the winner of the 30 second soundbite and one-upmanship contest... nothing gets done.

 

[lsiberian]

Specter was not a moderate by any stretch of the imagination.. especially the past 5 years. He's been a very liberal Republican. Let's put this into perspective though shall we. The first order of business for any politician is to get reelected. That wasn't going to happen for the Senator especially after voting for the ridiculous spending bill. That was the initial play by him to basically start off the 2010 campaign to counter his eroding support he's had with Republicans.. He needed the liberal vote and that was one of the most visable ways to get to there. Obama had already promised to campaign for him so it was really a forgone conclusion to most politics-watchers.

I'm not entirely sure 2010 will be the happiest of times for Democrats. If you look at a lot of the polls, Obama is still rated high as the image, but policy-wise, he's taken quite a tumble on popularity though those who feel that way still can't bring themselves to stand opposed to the man. For now, Obama still benefits greatly from that disconnect of public sentiment... the style vs. substance issue. However, I'm not so sure those in Congress will benefit the same. The tide of sentiment has been steadily shifting away from the actions of this administration. More and more, people are getting a bit disconcerted with the power grabs... the latest looking like the Administration has handed a large chunk of GM to the UAW who own less of the bond debt than do the everyday citizen. I think the Administration simply banks on these kinds of things, which are outright political payback and back scratching, as something that won't be exposed or at least explained or challenged enough in the mainstream media to gain traction. Having NBC in their pocket through the GE/Cap & Trade underhanded dealings helps to secure that notion and most just can't bring themselves to be critical of this Administration just yet. Time will tell however.

As for Specter, I'd rather have him on the Dem side. He's rather typical of most politicians. I'd like a few others to switch parties as well.... and in my opinion, there are at least 4 or 5 other Dems that I cannot figure out why they are affiliated with that party. I'd welcome them to the GOP. Unfortunately, most politicians, regardless of their side, will gravitate towards the brightest light. Right now, it's Obama. Until everyone gets over their love affair with the image and starts holding him accountable for what's being done, he will still be the guy to stand next to for many.

I really love reading your posts. They really amuse me sometimes


Obama is doing a great job considering the circumstances. He's passed the bailout and gotten tough with GM and Chrysler. He's also the right person to take us out of this recession that the GOP dragged us into. Yeah they take the blame. That's the nature of politics.

Don't worry though when too much power goes to the Dems heads in a few years. Their heads will roll and the GOP will be in power again.

Only 10 years ago they were saying the Dems were dead then came Obama. Until then we get to listen to whining from the right.
After listening to left whine the last 8 years

Our country is run by babies.

 

[itschris]

I really love reading your posts. They really amuse me sometimes


Obama is doing a great job considering the circumstances. He's passed the bailout and gotten tough with GM and Chrysler. He's also the right person to take us out of this recession that the GOP dragged us into. Yeah they take the blame. That's the nature of politics.

Don't worry though when too much power goes to the Dems heads in a few years. Their heads will roll and the GOP will be in power again.

Only 10 years ago they were saying the Dems were dead then came Obama. Until then we get to listen to whining from the right.
After listening to left whine the last 8 years

Our country is run by babies.

I'm happy to entertain you! I'll be here all week! Ba-Bum!

I'm not saying don't get tough on GM and Chrysler. I'm saying don't hand the 2nd largest chunk of control to the UAW. That's absurd. They own far less of the preferred debt, yet they are getting a far great amount of control. That's political payback for all the years of union support. I despise that kind of stuff from either side.

I guess we could debate all day whether or not ramming the largest spending bill in the history of world in your 1st month as President, without even providing time for most people to read it, and allowing billions in wasteful spending (waste that most people of good conscience can't really defend) is a good thing or not.

Either way, you're right in some aspects however. The GOP blew it and got away from the core conservative values. I'm hoping to see a backlash that forces the GOP back to their roots. I'd very much like to see another Contract with America like Newt put together when the GOP took back control. I like the idea of being held to what you say and having to explain why you didn't do it.

 

[lsiberian]

Either way, you're right in some aspects however. The GOP blew it and got away from the core conservative values. I'm hoping to see a backlash that forces the GOP back to their roots. I'd very much like to see another Contract with America like Newt put together when the GOP took back control. I like the idea of being held to what you say and having to explain why you didn't do it.

Yes the GOP needs a good hiding to get their act together. Don't get me wrong one of our family friends is in Congress on the GOP side. So I have nothing against them. The problem is they lost sight of why they were put in power.

For a Democrat spending is a great accomplishment. For a Republican it's a miserable failure. Dems know how to shop, Reps know how to save. Every family needs one of each. When the saver starts spending the budget goes all to hell. And that's what happened.

 

[Tarub]

NBA or NFL?

Is It NBA Or NFL?


36 have been accused of spousal abuse

7 have been arrested for fraud

19 have been accused of writing bad checks

117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses

3 have done time for assault

71 repeat

71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit

14 have been arrested on drug-related charges

8 have been arrested for shoplifting

21 currently are defendants in lawsuits, and

84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year


Can you guess which organization this is?



NBA or NFL?

Neither,

it's the 435 members of the United States Congress


The same group of Idiots that crank out hundreds of new laws each year
designed to keep the rest of us in line.

 

[jamie2112]

Yeah the truth hurts sometimes.....

 

[tcarcio]

Specter was not a moderate by any stretch of the imagination.. especially the past 5 years. He's been a very liberal Republican. Let's put this into perspective though shall we. The first order of business for any politician is to get reelected. That wasn't going to happen for the Senator especially after voting for the ridiculous spending bill. That was the initial play by him to basically start off the 2010 campaign to counter his eroding support he's had with Republicans.. He needed the liberal vote and that was one of the most visable ways to get to there. Obama had already promised to campaign for him so it was really a forgone conclusion to most politics-watchers.

I'm not entirely sure 2010 will be the happiest of times for Democrats. If you look at a lot of the polls, Obama is still rated high as the image, but policy-wise, he's taken quite a tumble on popularity though those who feel that way still can't bring themselves to stand opposed to the man. For now, Obama still benefits greatly from that disconnect of public sentiment... the style vs. substance issue. However, I'm not so sure those in Congress will benefit the same. The tide of sentiment has been steadily shifting away from the actions of this administration. More and more, people are getting a bit disconcerted with the power grabs... the latest looking like the Administration has handed a large chunk of GM to the UAW who own less of the bond debt than do the everyday citizen. I think the Administration simply banks on these kinds of things, which are outright political payback and back scratching, as something that won't be exposed or at least explained or challenged enough in the mainstream media to gain traction. Having NBC in their pocket through the GE/Cap & Trade underhanded dealings helps to secure that notion and most just can't bring themselves to be critical of this Administration just yet. Time will tell however.

As for Specter, I'd rather have him on the Dem side. He's rather typical of most politicians. I'd like a few others to switch parties as well.... and in my opinion, there are at least 4 or 5 other Dems that I cannot figure out why they are affiliated with that party. I'd welcome them to the GOP. Unfortunately, most politicians, regardless of their side, will gravitate towards the brightest light. Right now, it's Obama. Until everyone gets over their love affair with the image and starts holding him accountable for what's being done, he will still be the guy to stand next to for many.

Nice to see that someone knows the truth and not just what they tell themselves is true. Great Post...

 

[aberkowitz]

Is It NBA Or NFL?


36 have been accused of spousal abuse

7 have been arrested for fraud

19 have been accused of writing bad checks

117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses

3 have done time for assault

71 repeat

71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit

14 have been arrested on drug-related charges

8 have been arrested for shoplifting

21 currently are defendants in lawsuits, and

84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year


Can you guess which organization this is?



NBA or NFL?

Neither,

it's the 435 members of the United States Congress


The same group of Idiots that crank out hundreds of new laws each year
designed to keep the rest of us in line.

Hate to burst your bubble a bit, but the info above (despite being very believable) is most likely BS- and this list is at least 10 years old.

Check out snopes- http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/congress.asp

 

[griffinconst]

Seems to me things work best when there is NOT one party rule.
A dem. president needs a rep. congress to keep him in line and visa versa. Best we could hope for is they would spend all their time blowing smoke and nothing would get done. More rules and laws always seem to take money out of my pocket....and yours.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-specter-democrats29-2009apr29,0,2833098.story

He won't be the last. The GOP better get themselves in order.

I would say they are getting their house in order. Specter was a liberal that went against the grain of nearly everything conservative. He'll be much more at home in the democrat party..........

The reason the GOP is a mess right now is because they've abandoned their conservative core principles. They've become a party of "democrat-Lite" which is why they are now in a state of disrepair.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Just listening to the press conference and haven listened to him on prior occasions, wasn't he considered a moderate? That IMO was a big reason the GOP lost so much ground in the last election. So then, what will become of the Republican Party because the middle is being sucked out of the GOP and they make up most of the undecided voter's each election and they're wavering to the left.

The opposite is true..... the GOP morphed into a party of big government spending liberals which is why they got their asses kicked in the '06 and '08 elections. Not until they get back to their core conservative principles will they experience victory on election night.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Specter was not a moderate by any stretch of the imagination.. especially the past 5 years. He's been a very liberal Republican. Let's put this into perspective though shall we. The first order of business for any politician is to get reelected. That wasn't going to happen for the Senator especially after voting for the ridiculous spending bill. That was the initial play by him to basically start off the 2010 campaign to counter his eroding support he's had with Republicans.. He needed the liberal vote and that was one of the most visable ways to get to there. Obama had already promised to campaign for him so it was really a forgone conclusion to most politics-watchers.

I'm not entirely sure 2010 will be the happiest of times for Democrats. If you look at a lot of the polls, Obama is still rated high as the image, but policy-wise, he's taken quite a tumble on popularity though those who feel that way still can't bring themselves to stand opposed to the man. For now, Obama still benefits greatly from that disconnect of public sentiment... the style vs. substance issue. However, I'm not so sure those in Congress will benefit the same. The tide of sentiment has been steadily shifting away from the actions of this administration. More and more, people are getting a bit disconcerted with the power grabs... the latest looking like the Administration has handed a large chunk of GM to the UAW who own less of the bond debt than do the everyday citizen. I think the Administration simply banks on these kinds of things, which are outright political payback and back scratching, as something that won't be exposed or at least explained or challenged enough in the mainstream media to gain traction. Having NBC in their pocket through the GE/Cap & Trade underhanded dealings helps to secure that notion and most just can't bring themselves to be critical of this Administration just yet. Time will tell however.

As for Specter, I'd rather have him on the Dem side. He's rather typical of most politicians. I'd like a few others to switch parties as well.... and in my opinion, there are at least 4 or 5 other Dems that I cannot figure out why they are affiliated with that party. I'd welcome them to the GOP. Unfortunately, most politicians, regardless of their side, will gravitate towards the brightest light. Right now, it's Obama. Until everyone gets over their love affair with the image and starts holding him accountable for what's being done, he will still be the guy to stand next to for many.

Very well stated.... It's funny how the media refuses to report the true reason he defected. IE...the fact that he was 20+ point underdog who had ZERO chance to win his primary never seems to be mentioned in the reporting of his defection.

 

[rnatalli]

I think people are missing the larger picture. Baby boomers are dying off; the liberal movement over the last 3 decades. Conservatism is dying and will continue to do so in this country. If the GOP doesn't go moderate, they will be an irrelevant party.