Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter shocked the political world Tuesday by jumping from the GOP to the Democratic Party – likely handing President Obama an EZ-Pass to drive his agenda on Capitol Hill.
The sudden move, coming as the veteran lawmaker already faces a fierce 2010 primary challenge from the right in the Keystone State, all but gives Democrats and Obama a roadblock-free Senate, putting them on the cusp of a 60-vote majority.
"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter announced on his campaign Web site.
"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary," Specter he added.
Well, I didn't see that coming. I'd like to thank the Club for Growth(SNRK) for this, and their backing of Toomey for the Republican Primary. Of course it's politically motivated, Specter doesn't want to lose his seat. Is he the best example of a Democrat? No, but he's not the worst example of a Republican either. He's always more or less cut close to the middle on many issues.
I'm interested in seeing where this will develop with the cloture votes, seeing as Arlen won't be, being pressured by the Republicans to vote with them (regardless of issue) just to try and maintain enough support to survive the primary.
On top of that, it's just a fantastic way to demotivate the GOP.
