BY: NCViking

So much for “not being afraid to fight for his job one more time”. Arlen Specter announced today that he will be joining the Democrats giving them a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. No really? Gosh, I had no idea this was coming … what a shock. Here is what the former RINO had to say:

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.

Mr. ‘Magic Bullet’ saw the writing on the wall and did what any self-serving politician would do in this situation – cover his own arse. Now he again can be considered for the power committee positions that as a Republican he would have been shut out of, and he can duck and cover behind the Obaminions during his upcoming reelection bid. The gratefulness for giving Democrats a filibuster-proof majority should garner him plenty of favors and support come election crunch time. I hope Democrats enjoy this new “loyal” and “trustworthy” member of their party!

In a March 17th interview with The Hill, Specter said he absolutely would not switch parties:

[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 appropriate 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.

Correction to your statement today, Mr. Specter: You have not represented the Republican Party or the people of Pennsylvania … you have only represented yourself.

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