Specter switches parties

Julie, Palm Desert, CA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:25:04 GMT

I don't know why people persist in thinking that the democratic party is like the republicans. We never have nor will we ever vote in lockstep with what the party wants. That is what republican's do. We are independent minded and vote what we believe.

Specter switches parties

justwaitandsee — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:25:22 GMT

Wise remove, I too would be embarrassed to be associated with the Obstructionist Party. They stand for nothing and Obstruct everything.

Specter switches parties

Holden Smith, Scranton PA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:25:28 GMT

Looks like Spectors brain cancer has returned.

Specter switches parties

GOP is Very Stupid — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:25:36 GMT

The rethugs now have 38 right-wing nuts. Snow and Collins are at least sane.

Specter switches parties

Lee-- Dallas, TX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:25:41 GMT

This is some juicy stuff...

As reported from the AP:

"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary," the Pennsylvania senator said in a statement.

"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said, adding that the "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."

==========

[People get your popcorn ready...Lee]

Specter switches parties

Sheila, Pikesville, MD — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:26:47 GMT

OMG!!

How long before Rush Limbaugh starts railing against Senator Specter and wishing for a return of his cancer. We know how he makes fun of sick people all the time.

Senator Specter is to be applauded for living his convictions and not towing the "party line", especially when it is counter to what he believes.

May he be blessed with good health and wisdom as he aligns himself with the Democratic party.

Specter switches parties

rodeo, ellensburg, wa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:27:12 GMT

I met Sen Specter during his run for the White House, and was impressed with his vision and candor. This was obviously a hard decision for him, I can't help but agree with the logic, being myself a Republican moderate who can no longer consider myself a member of a party of lawbreaking, lying idiots who parade morality while despising moral solutions. Best of luck to him!

Specter switches parties

Keith, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:02 GMT

EFCA!!!! Why no support?

Specter switches parties

scuzzy — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:17 GMT

WOW, thats an awesome public statement. I think I respesct Mr. Specter a great deal more today than I did before. Good for him. I think he has a great deal of integrity.

Specter switches parties

Ed, FW, TX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:25 GMT

Wow, the GOPer losers take another one on the chin. Senator Spector is a cancer survivor and seems to have his priorities in the right place. Thanks for having the courage of your convictions. Senator!

Let's root for Senator Franken to be in place for the summer fun.

Let's Roll!

Specter switches parties

T. Ken Paine, Philadelphia — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:41 GMT

So long Specter - be sure to take Collins and Snowe with you!

The Republicans need an enema like this. Clean out out all the crap out of their system. Too many nut jobs like Specter have been infecting the Republicans for some time now. Better to have the disease and stench go to the Democrats.

Specter switches parties

Dave — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:59 GMT

Good work republicans. Keep driving away those moderates like Specter (and myself). Pretty soon you won't have anyone left except the crazies. Wait a minute! Maybe that has already happened!

Specter switches parties

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:29:42 GMT

Tee Hee Arlen Specter is giving his political party wife her walking papers because of irreconcilable differences, a divorce made in heaven! Looks like when Senator Al Franken gets seated the Democrats will have that magic 60 seat fillibuster proof majority. A 60 seat Senate majority - Yes We Can!

Hey arrogant ignorant evil elephants aren't you glad you're so extremist that you have lost one of your own? Aren't you socially conservative evangelical lunatic fringers oh so proud of doomy toomey dooming your bare fillibuster edge? While Arlen may not be as progressive as some of us Liberals desire we're not stupid enough to challenge him and will support him.

Keep up the great work trashing your own repugnant ones. Let's hope that Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe see the writing on the wall and follow Arlen becoming True BlueDog Democrats here in our big tent party of Liberals and Moderates.

In Arlen Specter We Trust!
Ha Ha We're going to have the 60 Seat Majority!

Specter switches parties

Granger, Chicago — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:29:55 GMT

Specter will do well as a Democrat. He's stupid, a liar, and doesn't make any sense. He'll fit right in.

Specter switches parties

Matt — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:30:59 GMT

Talk about the lure of the Obama agenda. But it means squat for card check.

http://www.political-buzz.com

Specter switches parties

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:31:24 GMT

I have not always agreed with Specter... but I have respected him most of the time when I did disagree with him. He reminds me of the old John McCain from 2000. Didn't always agree, but at least in most cases he had valid reasons for his opinions.

Specter switches parties

Brian, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:31:53 GMT

The Gallup polls show that the GOP is mis-reading polls showing that "Republicans" overwhelmingly oppose the President. It is not because the President is overtly partisan. Rather, the numbers show that the percentage of people who self-identify as Democrats has increased while the number of people who self-identify as Republicans has decreased.

So, congratulations to the Republicans. They have managed to isolate themselves. Beck, Cheney, Hannity, Limbaugh and Rove may love America. They just hate everyone in it who does not share their background and beliefs. Mission accomplished in kicking everyone out of the Republican party who does not have the requisite degree of ideological purity.

Specter switches parties

Sue Dubya — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:32:28 GMT

Way to go, Arlen! The man let his conscience guide him, and now we may really be able to make a difference in this country. Anyone for health care for everyone, FINALLY?!!

Specter switches parties

mary dale, clinton, iowa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:32:29 GMT

OMG I have always thought he was a genuine man who really cares about the American people. He always seemed fair. His vote for the stimulus package proved his concern was for country not party. I say welcome aboard Senator Specter, our country will be better off with you in a position to help rather than hinder our progress forward out of these rough times. Senators Snowe and Collins are also welcome to join the party of the future if the republicans make their lives too miserable. Hooray for America!

Specter switches parties

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:32:33 GMT

Fact: More people are willing to say they believe in ghosts than will ADMIT to being a republican! Proves TRUTH is stranger than fiction!

Tooo FUNNY!

Specter switches parties

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:32:34 GMT

Isn't that totally hilarious that that idiot toomey was the past president for the club for growth of the evil elephant party? Yeah baby he was really a Democratic mole who has been part of the Democratic Club for Growth! Heckuva Job Toomey!

In Specter We Trust!

Specter switches parties

Independent in Missouri — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:32:40 GMT

An interesting move! This will probably prolong the senate issue in Minnesota even longer as the stakes have grown much higher for the republicans. This may not be the last defection. If a couple of other republicans make the same observations, the democrats could reach the filibuster proof 60 before the next elections and before Minnesota has been determined.

Specter switches parties

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:33:04 GMT

Great. Thank you Arlen Spector and Welcome!!

Specter switches parties

Greg Fields, Dallas Tx — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:33:47 GMT

Specter does the right thing, but for the wrong reasons. He doesn't care a lick about the country, he cares only about getting re-elected. You want to blame someone for this moron, then here is one time you can blame Bush and be right. Specter was having a real struggle to win the Republican nomination for Senate in 2004, but Bush went into Pennsylvania and campaigned for Specter and got him the nomination. Republicans sticking together, right? Well now we see what that's worth to Specter.

What goes around, comes around Arlen.

Specter switches parties

Larry Craig (R) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:34:29 GMT

God Bless Arlen Specter! The extreme right wing republican party is shrinking daily because of their radical racist agenda. Who will be the next GOPer to jump ship, Newt, David Duke, Eric Rudolph?

Specter switches parties

New Indi — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:35:45 GMT

Just heard Chuck Todd make the comment that Arlen Spector did not leave the Republican Party, The Republican Party left him. I couldn't agree more.

The Republicans Party is out of step with the American people and refuses to accept the validity of a democratic process. Loyal opposition is a good thing but when the ranks of the GOP seem to be filled with individuals willing to introduce issues like abandoning the Union because the majority does not see things their way you have to question how loyal they are to the principles of the Constitution and America in general.

It really is very sad and time for some on the right to reflect on the negativity their party seems to exude.

Specter switches parties

Dying Republican — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:35:59 GMT

Ha Ha We're going to have the 60 Seat Majority!
Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:29 PM)

Does this mean that you will stop blaming the Republicans for everything the Democrats screw up?

I am glad the Dems have the super majority -

NOW ITS ALL THEIR FAULT
(or credit if things go correct)

Time Will Tell.

Specter switches parties

M. Steele - Washington, DC — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:36:05 GMT

Does this mean I have to start working on my resume?

Specter switches parties

Jeff D Evanston IL — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:36:21 GMT

Looks like Spectors brain cancer has returned.
Holden Smith, Scranton PA

Holden smith your a scumbag, this is a terrable thing to say, between you, rush, and fox news its no wonder why he is switching!!!!!

Specter switches parties

pat huntington ny — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:36:27 GMT

As Spector's switch just proves, the Republican party is abandoning its moderate members, pushing them in droves out with its religious right wing outdated ideologies, and into either democratic party or as independents.

Specter switches parties

fmr PA res intrigued — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:37:03 GMT

Remember that Rendell, who worked for Specter as DA in Philadelphia, is the governor, and will exert considerable clout for the Senate race. This is a prudent move on Specter's part. The Republican Party in PA is been quite marginalized in that it does not represent the values that Specter represents, especially since the Rendell revolution (sweep the SE and take parts of counties in the NE and central) took place. Toomey, like Santorum, is not representative of state-wide values, so would not win a statewide race.

I do wish this would have happened BEFORE he worked to confirm Roberts and Alito.

PA has strong interests in retaining a competitive student loan industry. I wonder how he will work to protect that in the face of forthcoming budget reconciliation and the attempt to change the student loan industry.

Specter switches parties

Specter Fan, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:37:46 GMT

Arlen has been punked by the Republican party over and over again through the recent years. He towed the line throughout the Bush years, even when it was apparent that it was something that disgusted him. I'm not surprised that the Republicans are moving farther to the right and pushing him out of the party. He is more of a moderate Republican than a Conservative Democrat, but the Republicans have moved even farther right...from "Conservative," to "Just Plain Stupid." Arlen really needed to shut up about Card Check. He might have to eat those words to keep his election hopes alive.

Specter switches parties

Lisa, Baltimore — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:38:10 GMT

As Nelson would say "Ha, Ha!!!!"

Specter switches parties

eagle1776 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:38:24 GMT

Another moderate Republican bites the dust. The more the uber right controls the Republican party the more of this kind of thing we will see. Before long all that exists in the Republican party will be a hand full of right wing extremists. That is too bad. The once grand old party is no longer grand and hasn't been older than the Democratic party anyway. The shine and luster of the party of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower is gone and all that is left are a bunch of bitter extremists bent on further destroying their party and the nation. Will they recover? Time will tell. If the GOP doesn't move to the center they are doomed to getting smaller and smaller with their relevance also diminishing.

Welcome Senator Spector, I've always liked you.

Specter switches parties

Reformed GOP — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:39:15 GMT

Specter will do well as a Democrat. He's stupid, a liar, and doesn't make any sense. He'll fit right in.
Granger, Chicago

Only a right wing Republican would say that about Spector. He's very intelligent, and he will be far more comfortable in the DEmocratic party. As a former Republican it's sad to see that the GOP no longer welcomes moderates. It's why I left 20 years ago, and eventually my entire family left the GOP! Welcome Arlen, you are truly welcome!

Specter switches parties

MSierra, SF — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:40:35 GMT

GOOD IDEA !!

You better rethink your position on Employee card Check, Arlen
You want want to re-think funding for pandemics

WELCOME TO THE CLUB, Arlen
The Banana Republicans are getting to kooky for reasonable people !!

Specter switches parties

Joyce — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:41:04 GMT

HAHAHA! In yo face Republicans that are trying to stop the Obama agenda. Good deal Specter!

Specter switches parties

Independent in TN — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:41:53 GMT

I completely agree with Specter . . .

I am a hard-core independent who sees plenty of flaws in the Democratic party . . . but the anti-intellectual ultra-right wackos that currently control the GOP make me sick

I'm at a point now where I wonder if I'll ever cast another ballot for the GOP

Specter switches parties

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:42:35 GMT

Sen. Specter is such a gracious, caring, level-headed man. The COMPLETE opposite of the RepubliCUNTS. It's a pleasure to have him as an addition to our Party.

Specter switches parties

Rico, Mentor OH — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:42:59 GMT

What's the big deal. Spetcter stoped being a Republican a long time ago. Funny how he is only willing to admit it now that he was going to lose his primary fight. Just goes to show he is more concerned about loosing his power more than anything else. Oh by the way Sheila the only time I remember hearing anyone wish death on a politican was when the libs were hoping for Bush & Channeys death.

Specter switches parties

MSierra, SF — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:48:49 GMT

Was there any comment from Snowe or Collins ??

Are they feeling lonely and out of place in the Republican party ??

We'll trade Evan Bayh for Collins and Snowe, straight up !!
Maybe throw in Ben Nelson !!

Specter switches parties

Bill St. Marys, Ohio — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:49:54 GMT

Knock off the obstructionist label, remember democrats you really don't need republicans to vote for anything you have control, the only thing Specter does is inch you to your desired 60 fillibuster proof votes which is exactly what you want which really means you don't care what republicans think. It turns out this is the same complaint you had about Bush and the republicans when you were not in control! Soon you will have nobody to blame but yourselves

Specter switches parties

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:50:08 GMT

Welcome Senator Specter. The trash that the repukes have already noted here clearly reflects what a wise decision you made. We be 60 soon with more probably coming!

Specter switches parties

Andrew — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:50:18 GMT

This is too good to be true. It's a political wet dream. With 60 votes, we can progress the country and avoid more Republican obstructionism.

Specter switches parties

Smooth Jazz, NY, NY — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:51:50 GMT

The Republican Party is dooooomed!!!!

Specter switches parties

Jody, Iowa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Wow oh wow. Can't help wondering how Steele and other republicans who threatened Senator Specter feel right about now--threats rather than respect for independent thinking. The GOP wonders what is wrong with their party, could it be they've been pushing moderates out the door--think Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, Jim Leach.

Specter switches parties

moir — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:52:20 GMT

Another Republican has come from darkness into the light. Congratulations, Senator Specter. Now, if you could just talk with Senators Snowe and Collins and convice them to also join us in the light we could save even more Republicans from their fate of oblivian.

Specter switches parties

cindy, las vegas, nv — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:52:25 GMT

Welcome Senator Spector - glad to have you. I am democrat but have always paid attention to your moderate values. You will bring good stuff to the table!!!

Specter switches parties

Ol' Lefty, Westminster, Md — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:52:39 GMT

Keeps getting better and better for the Dems. BushCo, the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party since Herbert Hoover!

Specter switches parties

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:55:30 GMT

What will be next----George Bush revealing that he voted for Obama? I'm loving it!