Arlen Specter: Whoops, I Forgot I'm a Democrat Now

CQ Politics | Specter Says He ‘Misspoke” on Minnesota Senate Race

The political whirlwind that surrounded Sen. Arlen Specter ’s switch from the Republican to Democratic party had him forgetting which team he is rooting for in 2010.

But after voicing support for Republican Norm Coleman in his contested Minnesota Senate race, Specter said he misspoke in a New York Times magazine interview and is supporting Democrats.
(...)
“In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates,” he said. “I’m ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I’ve made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke.”

Asked who he’s backing now in elections, Specter said, “I’m looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal.”

Uh... huh. Sen. Specter, did you forget that, here in the Democratic Party, we try not to pull the Republican pattern of saying something horrid and then backpedaling with "it was a joke" and "I was misquoted"? I mean, I'll admit "I misspoke" is at least something of an admission of error, but you could at least try to be more careful and maybe not joke about something this serious.

Next time, just come right out and say what you mean, and don't mess around if you screw up - be expeditious and say you were incorrect right away.

Just a tip.

Rick Sanchez: "What the Hell?"

I'm with Rick. What the Hell does that even mean?

... Also, Toomey? Mainstream? In what reality?

Specter switching, now that... I'm more and more convinced I woke up in Bizarro reality.

Arlen Specter switches parties

From the NY Daily News: Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter to switch parties and become a Democrat

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.