Arlen...where ya goin?

[Townsend]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30456741/?from=ET

WASHINGTON - Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter is in talks to switch parties, sources told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Separately, the Washington Post reported that Specter will switch parties.

The move would give Democrats a filibuster-proof 60 seats if Al Franken is seated in the Minnesota.

[Nik]

this is huge.

[we vs us]

Wow.  Big stuff right there.

[cannon_fodder]

Horrible news.

Not that I care about who switches parties where.  But to have any party enjoy a super majority is just bad business.  When the country was founded EXCLUDING political parties as much as possible it was never imagined one party would be able to control the Senate entirely.  It's just not good for Democracy.

Can you imaged how screwed we would be if GW had a super majority in 2002-2004 (prior to record low approval ratings)? 

I hate the two party system.

[rwarn17588]

Can't say that I'm surprised.

Specter was a lot more moderate than his fellow Republicans. I think he was getting tired of dealing with fellow GOP lawmakers who were doubling down on the crazy and obstructing, instead of trying to form new ideas to win back the electorate.

The future of the GOP is abysmal because the demographics are so against the party. Even Neil Boortz admitted this on his show a couple of weeks ago.

[Gold]

Horrible news.

Not that I care about who switches parties where.  But to have any party enjoy a super majority is just bad business.  When the country was founded EXCLUDING political parties as much as possible it was never imagined one party would be able to control the Senate entirely.  It's just not good for Democracy.

Can you imaged how screwed we would be if GW had a super majority in 2002-2004 (prior to record low approval ratings)? 

I hate the two party system.

You're probably right. 

I have mixed emotions.  By Oklahoma standards, I'm pretty liberal, but my national standards I'm probably closer to someone like Specter.  Part of me is a little happy because I want to see what Obama can accomplish.  But I'd also like to see someone like Specter stay in the GOP and keep it more in the middle.  I feel the GOP, and the country as a whole, benefit when it sticks to small government, limited taxes, and a generally pro-business mentality; when they get into things like Terri Schiavo or other similar crusades, it accomplishes nothing other than draining political capital.

But the real fear is unfettered power.  Obama won't need to hide behind executive privilege or similar doctrines in the short term; he can push a lot through out in the open.  I hope he does so wisely.

[Chicken Little]

I totally saw it.  The guy is Dr. No...



Blofield FINALLY has his supermajority.  

[Gaspar]

The Republican party deserves this.  

Sometimes you've got to hit rock bottom before you realize you've got a problem.  Perhaps they can scrap some of their idiocy, or lose a couple more pandering buffoons.

I don't think the Dems should be too proud of gaining this one man pork machine, but I suppose he'll meet less criticism from the blind right.

Congrats on the seat at least.

[guido911]

Good riddance. His switching just makes a difference on paper.

[we vs us]

Horrible news.

Not that I care about who switches parties where.  But to have any party enjoy a super majority is just bad business.  When the country was founded EXCLUDING political parties as much as possible it was never imagined one party would be able to control the Senate entirely.  It's just not good for Democracy.

Can you imaged how screwed we would be if GW had a super majority in 2002-2004 (prior to record low approval ratings)? 

I hate the two party system.

It short circuits some immediate checks and balances, but hopefully kicks into high gear a longer term check on the power of the Dems . . . it's an indicator to the Reps that they're not offering stuff that the people like. 

It's the marketplace of ideology, baby.  If your customers aren't buying what you're selling, it's time to switch it up or declare Chp 11.  Either change the marketing or the product or both.  Something's got to give.

[guido911]

It short circuits some immediate checks and balances, but hopefully kicks into high gear a longer term check on the power of the Dems . . . it's an indicator to the Reps that they're not offering stuff that the people like. 

It's the marketplace of ideology, baby.  If your customers aren't buying what you're selling, it's time to switch it up or declare Chp 11.  Either change the marketing or the product or both.  Something's got to give.

Yep, and now the dems officially own everything. No more excuses that the repubs are blocking anything, like the Sebelius confirmation.

[cannon_fodder]

Great news!  Alren said definitively that he is NOT switching parties.  Wait, that was almost a month ago:

[Democrats] are trying very hard for the 60th vote. Got to give them credit for trying. But the answer is no.

    I'm not going to discuss private talks I had with other people who may or may not be considered influential. But since those three people are in the public domain, I think it is appropriative to respond to those questions.

    I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role, a more important role, to play there. The United States very desperately needs a two-party system. That's the basis of politics in America. I'm afraid we are becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party with so little representation of the northeast or in the middle atlantic. I think as a governmental matter, it is very important to have a check and balance. That's a very important principle in the operation of our government. In the constitution on Separation of powers.

http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/04/28/specter-had-disavowed-a-switch/

I love our government.  It works well.  It is full of integrity.  It offers a variety of viewpoints.

/fail

[Gaspar]

It short circuits some immediate checks and balances, but hopefully kicks into high gear a longer term check on the power of the Dems . . . it's an indicator to the Reps that they're not offering stuff that the people like. 

It's the marketplace of ideology, baby.  If your customers aren't buying what you're selling, it's time to switch it up or declare Chp 11.  Either change the marketing or the product or both.  Something's got to give.

You're exactly right!
Well not Right, but right. heck! you know what I mean.

[Cats Cats Cats]

Does this mean the Republicans will stop trying to throw him out

No seriously though.  It doesn't matter who is affiliated with what party because they can vote to stop a filibuster no matter the party.

[FOTD]

Goodie. Now AL FRANKEN can suit up!

Guido you are correct when you state "His switching just makes a difference on paper."This changes nothing. And Cannon, don't be afraid of the new majority.

Change has come to America. Love it or leave it.