CNN is reporting that Arlen Spector (R - Pennsylvania) is changing his party affiliation to Democrat. With this and when Al Franken is finally seated it will make the Senate filibuster-proof. A moderate Republican, Spector has long been considered to be a candidate to become an independent. This move will move both parties to the right. The democrats gain a centrist moderate and the republicans lose one.
Spector has acted more like a democratic centrists then a republican centrist for some time. Not really surprised by this move. I dont think its healthy having a filibuster proof senate but the Republicans have not been kind to their own moderates. They have suffered from a few previous defections and not learned anything. The republicans are in desperate need of a new leader to reshape the party.
Specter switched because he figured he would get trounced in the Republican primary, look for him to continue to straddle the fence. I still believe he wont vote for EFEC or whatever its called. The card check legislation.
I'd like to see centrists on both sides form an independent moderate party. But both parties always fight that idea--talk about bi-partisan efforts.
Hmm, the same Arlen Spector, who was only 17,000 votes ahead of the Conservative Toomey in the 2004 Primary, when George W Bush stepped in and strongly urged the Republicans to support Spector? Well here you go Repubs. Another gift from your boy.
which is a problem i see with the primaries of both parties. the elements of the parties that dominate the far right or left control the primaries and its often difficult for a moderate of either party to get into a general election.
