Specter Cites GOP Primary Problems -- And He Still Does Not Support EFCA
At his press conference just now, Arlen Specter said bluntly that he was switching parties because of the serious prospect of losing his primary and he also said he will not be voting for cloture on the Employee Free Choice Act.
Specter said he supported the stimulus bill because he did not want to risk another 1929-style depression. And afterwards, he said he travelled his state -- and looked at poll data with his campaign staff -- finding that his chances in the GOP primary were "bleak."
"I'm not prepared to have my 29-year record in the United States Senate decided by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate," said Specter, "not prepared to have that record decided by that jury."
And he stressed his personal independence. "I note that some of the news stories since my statement was released this morning are taking a look at the 60th vote -- and I will not be an automatic 60th vote," said Specter. "And I would illustrate that by my position on employee's choice, also known as card check. I think it is a bad bill, and I'm opposed to it and would not vote to invoke cloture."
Late Update: Here's Specter discussing EFCA:
Josh
Matt
Eric
I can respect Senator Spector not wanting to be an automatic vote for cloture. He needs to also understand, though, that he's not an automatic victor in the Democratic primary.
I'm a Pennsylvania voter, and I called his D.C. office a short while ago to congratulate him on today's decision. I also expressed my support for the nomination of Dawn Johnson and my hope that he will reconsider his position on EFCA.
At the moment, I plan to support Senator Specter. If he doesn't represent my interests though -- by voting for cloture on Johnson and by supporting EFCA after modest changes -- then I will certainly shift my support to a true Democrat.
April 28, 2009 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
"And I would illustrate that by my position on employee's choice, also known as card check. I think it is a bad bill, and I'm opposed to it and would not vote to invoke cloture."
Well there you are then.
Specter couldn't win a general election in Pennslyvania without labor support. Let's see how far he gets in a Democratic primary without it.
April 28, 2009 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, if he won't vote on cloture for Card Check and he won't vote for Johnsen, what exactly was everyone so pumped up about a couple of hours ago?
April 28, 2009 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
A real primary challenger is required to oust this jerk. He doesn't come to the Democratic party for any high-minded reasons about beliefs. He comes to save his old, washed up career as a conservative enabler.
He'll be just as happy to screw working families as a Democrat as he was as a Republican. He'll vote more Republican than Democratic and boast about it as proving he's "independent".
The country doesn't need any more blue dog Democratic imposters.
April 28, 2009 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why didn't he just become an independent and allow the full Pennsylvanian electorate to vote? Why jump from Republican to Democrat? And why are the Dems accepting him with open arms if he's completely open to vote his conscience on every issue?
This is so damn self-serving of Specter, he jumped to the Dems because he wants his committees.
April 28, 2009 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
As QA alluded to, Specter is a REPRESENTATIVE of his constituency, and must follow the wishes of same or perish politically. If enough folks let him know how they feel about EFCA and Johnsen, he'll capitulate--or lose in 2010.
April 28, 2009 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gawd I hope the Dems in PA aren't stupid enough to vote for this Republican asshole.
April 28, 2009 9:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Specter's history has always been one of looking out for Specter. HE has no principles. He will vote yes for EFCA cloture and no on EFCA. EFCA will pass and he will have the record of voting for cloture on a bill he co-sponsored and voting against the bill he co-sponsored.
Harry Reid once said, "You can always count on Arlen when you don't need him". Well put.
May 1, 2009 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink