GOP welcomes Specter

Posted: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:20 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
How's this for a late-in-the-day story for you to wrap your head around... It's a doozy: The National Republican Senatorial Committee playing the part of liberal interest group by "introducing" the newest Democrat to Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter, in robo calls painting him as tied to Bush and anti-labor... cue crazy cartoon character's loose-lipped shaking of head.

Here's the script and audio:
ANNOUNCER: (Disclaimer) Hello, this is Jack. I've recorded this message on behalf of the National Republican Senatorial Committee located at 425 2nd St, Washington, DC or 202-675-4260 to help you welcome your newest Democrat Senator, Arlen Specter.

We wanted to make sure that we properly introduced him to you. Former President George W. Bush said this about Arlen Specter.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I’m here to say it as plainly as I can, Arlen Specter is the right man for the United States Senate. I can count on this man - see that's important. He’s a firm ally when it matters most. I’m proud to tell you I think he’s earned another term as the United States Senator.

ANNOUNCER: Now here is Senator Specter on important issues to Labor and Democrat interest groups.

SEN SPECTER: I will not be an automatic 60th vote. And I would illustrate that by my position on employee’s choice also known as card check. Uh, I think it is a bad deal and I’m opposed to it and would not vote to invoke cloture.

ANNOUNCER: (Disclaimer) For more information, please visit nrsc.org/meetarlen. This call is paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee at www.nrsc.org and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

I scratch my head wondering who really understands how this party operates anymore. Silliness is their claim to fame!

John Alexander, Edinboro,PA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:29 PM)

WAAAAAAAAAAA,WAAAAAAAAA,WAAAAAAAA, Sniffle, WAAAAAAAAA!

The GOP (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:30 PM)

Does anyone really care or not know about the reasons for Senator Specter's party shift? It's to get re-elected and for the people of Pennsylvania to decide. I don't see this phone message doing more than annoying anyone who had to get up off their sofa to answer it.

KH, HI (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:31 PM)

"It's a dousy"? Do you mean "doozy" (or even "doozie")? People who spell it "dousy" are all wet.

Scott (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:31 PM)

Yes, George he has earned the term United States Senator willing to work with whichever party is in the White House but when his own party is unwilling and governed by the lunatics on the fringes of the right he keeps loyal to that idea of making a difference and does what he must to remain relevant.

Staying with the party of NO makes one irrelevent. Heck, no one wants to be on a losing team, especially one who is doing NOTHING to improve.

Sour grapes on the part of the NRSC is obvious and rather pathetic.

Welcome Senator Specter from darkness into the light. Now see if you can talk Senators Collins and Snowe to also move from the darkside into the light.

eagle1776 (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:34 PM)

Soon they can introduce the new junior senator from Minnisota, Al Franken.

Does it burn Nazi boys? Does it sting?

Super Liberal (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:35 PM)

I think this probably says more about why the republican party isn't working for him any more.

nancy (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:37 PM)

There not bitter now are they? Our Republican brethern pull another stupid partisan stunt.

Just when you think they have hit the bottom in crass behaviour, along comes another doozie to make you ask are they that stupid? Never mind they are and as their numbers dwindle they get more desparate.

Gingerbread Momma, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:41 PM)

This is priceless!!! What will they think of next???

CdV LA CA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 6:49 PM)

We know that Specter has moved across the aisle -- trying to save his political life, which is politically smart (though I think pretty spineless) for him. That being said, I don't think this kind of tactic by the NRSC is going to help improve the GOP image -- let him go peacefully guys. The conservative persuasion is really not being properly represented by this kind of behavior.

Greg in WA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:02 PM)

Repubs are just pointing out what liar Arlen is. I think that's why the Democrats like him so much, he fits right in with the rest of the Dems.

Lynette, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:07 PM)

The NRSC should make this a boiler-plate announcement for future defections. That way they can just spin out the broadcast each time another Republican senator realizes that his/her "former" party sold their soul to petty bickering and aimless objectives.

Jack K, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:09 PM)

Ol'Arlen wasn't too unhappy to have Bush pull his bacon out of the fire back during his re-election in 2004. We see now how Arlen pays back people that help him out. Another self-centered Democratic jerk in the Senate certainly isn't news.

Penny Roberts, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:11 PM)

By all means, waste precious funds to bash your opposition early and often.

I'm okay with that. Love the attempt to tie him to Bush; which is hysterical, since most of us Liberals on this board associate The Bush League Defense crew as completely out of touch. Once again, I think they (Repubs) are misjudging the opposition. time will tell.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:27 PM)

Like an obsessed ex-lover, the GOP clearly can't let go of Specter.

game kid (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:31 PM)

This is so typical of a party that has no message except no. It looks like they could figure out why so many people are leaving the party. I used to be a Republican and am proud to say that I saw the light and got out several years ago. It's only going to get worse for them until they wake up and get off the far right wing religious agenda.

Sam

Sam Reed, Mercedes, Texas (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:51 PM)

WHAT?.....I do believe they've (GOP) lost their marbles.

I left the GOP party in 1996 and haven't looked back. Means I've voted for 5 Republican presidents and 4 Democratic presidents. The way things are going the first 5 votes for president in my lifetime will be the only GOP votes I'll have ever made!

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:12 PM)

GOODBYE ALENE, GOODBYE ARLENE, MAY YOU R.I.P.

ARLENE WILL NOT BE MISSED BY REPUBS ... (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:20 PM)

Has the GOP gone totally mad?

W was THEIR guy and now they can't run far enough away fast enough!

You guys were running the show and now you seek to disown your record...

...and you wonder why you're the minority!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:34 PM)

They truely are incredible

D- San Antonio, Tx (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:36 PM)

repukes have nothing left but garbage like this this is how pathetic their party really is

Sean Denver (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:43 PM)

If negativity alone fails, add sarcasm.

Gail, TN (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:13 PM)

Is any one listening? Spector said it himself. He's changing parties for the sole purpose of being re-elected. What about running to support the wishes of the electorate? What about the people, Arlen? What about the basic ideals of the democratic party? What about your rich friends? Tax breaks for the rich is not a democratic principle. Education is a democratic goal. Freedom of workers to vote in private is a democratic principle. Where do you stand on the democratic platform?

Sheldon Metz (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:16 PM)

The Republicans dirt tricks won't work, not this time, we're hip to their small minded games. This country is in serious trouble, what we need is leadership not another drt political trick.

Ben Purser, Royal Oak, MI (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:30 PM)

No frickin' way. This has got to be a joke. April fool's day was a few weeks ago fellahs.

Are you serious? (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:46 PM)

HMMM...and the caller's is named "Jack"? Really? Mr. Bauer should start to take offense.

Reba From The News (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:49 PM)

They really don't get it over at the RNC...keep shouting your message of religious ignorance and intolerance of all types...its a big seller in a nation made up of all types

Rick, UT (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:01 PM)

Did any republicans lose their jobs today? Its truly ironic when the same people who supported the republican policies find that it cost them their jobs and the rest of us don't want to pay for their unemployment check or schip for their kids. We believed them when they said they wanted to make it on their own. Do they believe their own BS now?

Get a job man (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:04 PM)

They are seriously hurting. Spector was clear from the first announcement that he is not a yes man. He was not a yes man as a Republican. He will surely be further to the right than left as a Democrat and won't be the first. I'm a Democrat but not of the left wing. There is nothing I have seen in recent years that would have convinced me that being Republican was a good choice and, throughout the presidential election I was more and more sadened by the direction of the GOP which is now not very Grand in stature or vision. Petty Old Party might be a better name.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:25 PM)

Are they for real? Is this what that hip, urban man-about-town-you-da-man Michael Steele (Go Michelle Bachmann!!)has spent donors money on? Please tell me they have more crushing issues and agendas besides tar & feathering Specter. They have just disintegrated into high school hijinx and BS in defaming someone again. My ex military buddies (retired vet here) who are staunch GOP supporters are embarrased now by their party, and the lunches we all have and discuss politics at large have turned into bitch sessions of the stupidity of the GOP. But hey, you da man!!!

Doc, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:27 PM)

Astounding, how degrading they are, even in casual conversation--- how they can't neglect to include the nominal insult they've adopted: pedantically calling the Democratic Party the Democrat Party. "Democrat Senator"...

It's so childishly stupid, I'd genuinely feel pity for them--- that is, if they hadn't wiped their feet all over the Constitution and then spat on it ad nauseum for the past 8 years.

Seriously--- they are 12 years old--- not to insult any good-meaning tweens out there; but the GOP is stuck in an "I am rubber you are glue" "If you don't beat the hell out of 'em, then you're a wussy!" mentality--- their entire platform is that of a whiny frickin' brat who wants all the toys.

Ed (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:09 PM)

Yeah, good strategy to try to tie Bush to Spector. I wonder how effective that will be coming from Bush's rubber stamps.

TexasLou, Dallas (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:15 PM)

Now that we are rid if the Torture Trio (Rice-Cheney-Bush)it looks like this mentally challenged party has come back to torture us with this. Nice try but you need some middle schoolers to help guide you from the wilderness.

Les Slack, Wenatchee, WA. (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:24 PM)

Arlen Specter should be stripped of his Senate seat. He was voted into the Senate by Republicans to represent them. Changing is party affiliation should nullify his election results.

Darryl, Florence Oregon (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:25 PM)

Well, after reading this you wonder why the Republicans are out of power. They feel they can bring somebody down and wind up shooting themselves in the foot.

adina (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:32 PM)

Is this an early desperate attempt to get the fringe - I mean GOP - candidate an edge? Specter didn't leave the GOP, the GOP left him.

Carl H (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:54 PM)

Republican game playing; their current behaviors remind me of animals backed into a corner. What is really sad is after the last 100 days, the GOP appears not to have learned much about remaining a viable political party in opposition. They have opted for narrow, providential, ideological conservationism that alienates anyone standing to the left of them.

Mike Groshong. Mcminnville, Or (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:55 PM)

what? pardon? what republican supports the Empoyee Free Choice Act. Who are they running against? Is the RNC endorsing pat toomey? does pat toomey support employee free choice act? yeah, i guess i should vote for pat toomey!!!

Jane Roe, Phil. Penn (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:57 PM)

Not going to lie that was extremely weird. The republican party using Bush ties to discredit Specter. What exactly is this suppose to mean? Are republicans in the area suppose to vote for him? Are democrats not suppose to? Then who is voting for the republican counterpart come election time?

Aaron Phoenix AZ (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:03 AM)

THIS is why the Republican Party is in trouble. As a Pennsylvania democrat, I have long admired Arlen Spector as a rational, reasoned voice for Pennsylvanians, like our new President, a leader of integrity. Doesn't the GOP see the value of integrity to the electorate? The longer and wider this gap gets between quality leaders and these rank, gutter tactics, the more obscure and irrelevant the GOP becomes..

Jabock Aubostaben (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:15 AM)

The lunatics are running the asylum! Poor Charlie Crist and the very few non-whackjobs left. Michelle Bachman is my absolutely favorite though. She is the Jessica Simpson of politics. She makes Sarah Palin look educated.

Emily (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:17 AM)

It appears that things have become so bad over at the RNC that they have even begun to throw George Bush under the bus to make a point. What else should we expect when only 21% of americans will admit to being Republican?

Michael Menchaca, santa Clarita, Calif. (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:19 AM)

Everyone should call the number above and let them know what you think of the republican party

eric D. Fremont, Ca (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:20 AM)

It strikes me as immature that the Republicans refuse to use the proper adjective "Democratic."

Jonathan, San Antonio (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:21 AM)

Wow, that's incredibly hypocritical.

Ward, SLC, UT (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:34 AM)

sleaze, sleaze, and more sleaze.

unshrub (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 12:34 AM)

i have a word to describe RNC "LOST" LIBERTARIAN party needs to make their move

Tom, Tampa, Fl (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:18 AM)

Yeah... with the alternative being a firebrand conservative in the style of Rick Santorum... hardly a worry.

Eric, Kansas City (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:27 AM)

He was good enough for the GOP three days ago.

Martin, Orlando (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:28 AM)

What? You mean that Specter's primary concern was none other than the continuation of his career as Senator? Let me feign shock. On second thought, why bother; his was not some sort of noble decision on principle, it was to ensure his political existence.

Nathan, Tempe, Arizona (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:53 AM)

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