Wow.
In a stunning statement that dramatically alters the Senate’s balance of power and the midterm elections’ dynamics, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has announced he will change his party affiliation, caucus with Democrats and run for re-election next year in the Democratic primary.
Specter’s office released the following must-read statement to explain his move:
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.
When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.
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.
…
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
President Obama is said to have called him to say “you have my full support.”
More to come soon.
?!?!?!?!
I don’t know what to say. Crazy stuff.
Well, this answers the first question that popped in my head:
“And as part of the deal, the leadership of the Democratic party will fully support Arlen Specter, with both funding, message support and a promise to clear the primary field.”
http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/04/28/specter-had-been-considering-for-three-weeks/
Very bad news for the GOP. Although it will not necessarily change any senate votes it will make the GOP look more extreme if a long serving, well respected Republican senator jumps ship. It makes the GOP look more extreme and less of a big tent. This is not good news for them long term. They will also loss the line of attack in future elections of trying to deny the Dems 60 votes, they now have them (once Franken is rightfully seated).
This is a reality check for the GOP. That party cannot exist unless they reinvent themselves in the near future. Already, Michael Steele has appeared weak and inconsequential to the GOP–the party should have told Limbaugh to shut the heck up. They have taken the reactionary position on every major agenda item set forth by Obama.
It’s up to the GOP to spin this around in a positive direction. I just don’t see it happening. They can’t just “stay the course” if they want any influence over legislation.