Breaking Political News — Arlen Specter Switching Parties — He’ll be a Democrat
EmailThis just into our newsroom. Arlen Specter, the senior senator from Pennsylvania, is switching parties. Here is his statement. Republicans are shocked. With this move — and the expected seating of Al Franken — Democrats will have a filibuster-proof 60-vote super-majority in the Senate.
ABC’s David Chalian and Karen Travers sit down with GOP strategist Kevin Madden talk about the ramifications of Specter’s switch here. We’ll have more as the day goes on (think: chances of passing health care reform).
Statement by Senator Arlen Specter
I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.
Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.
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.
I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.
I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.
I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.
I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.
While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.
My 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. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.
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For some people advancing age brings wisdom,
for others it brings confusion.
Posted by: Noz | April 28, 2009, 12:21 pm 12:21 pm
I have no problem is an elected official changes party – but, based on the fact that were registered and elected by party affiliation, then when they change, they should resign and allow for another election.
Posted by: jamescbuilder | April 28, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
Specter has been a liberal for years- no shock that’s he’s finally owning up to it. This move was most likely caused by the fear that Toomey would probably have beaten him in the primary.
Posted by: norinos | April 28, 2009, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Arlen Specter should have to resign and another Republican appointed to fill out his term. He has let down the people who voted for him, and he should not be allowed to continue to serve in the US Senate.
Posted by: Frances Hindman | April 28, 2009, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm
Senator Arlen Specter said he served the interest of the nation, but in reality he is serving himself because his political career is on the line. His marginal victory is the key factor for him to switch and since the Democratic party is in control, what better time than now. It is better if he switch to independent. Arlen has betrayed the people who vote for him all these years & in the last election. He is using the excused 200,000 Republican switch to Democrate and others do not want him to represent them as republican so he switch. Where is your conviction, Sen. Arlen Specter?
The party put you in office for 30 years and now he betrayed them?
Posted by: Peter | April 28, 2009, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
Instead of just bashing Specter, Republicans reading this posting would do well to pay attention to his comment about the Republican Party moving toward the far right. As a Party, Republicans are losing ground badly and until they realize that it is generally a centrist approach that wins the day they will continue to do so. Close mindedness has no place in Government.
Posted by: Chuck | April 28, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
The GOP is lost and has no direction. we cant let the chirch run the party anymore…
Posted by: Tom | April 28, 2009, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
Arlen Specter should resign? Why? He didn’t leave the GOP, he was run out. This country is a REPUBLIC. We vote individuals into office to make decisions for us – whether we like those decisions or not.
However, since G W Bush in 2000, the GOP have expected their leaders to walk in lock step along a narrowly defined platform created by less-than-scrupulous people in back rooms. And if any one step out of line, well God help him.
Arlen Specter has always been a moderate (though slightly right). Any one voting for him expecting him to follow a party line is a fool to himself.
Arlen Specter has a legal right to change his party affiliation AND hold his office to term just as all those who fail to research their candidates have a right to vote.
Posted by: Catmustea | April 28, 2009, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
The Republican Party must realize, I hope sooner than later, that they lost badly in the election because the voter lost faith in them, the voter no longer believes what they say, and because they have lost the respect of the nation. When only 26% of the nation still has faith in a party–that should tell you something. In the last three months I have watched while they disrespect, mock, and attempt to belittle the President of the United States. For eight years they went on a spending spree and ran up trillions of dollars in debt and over a trillion in deficits–and still will not face up to their incompetence. The nation has lost all faith and respect for a party that has gone way, too far right. Hopefully, they will get back in touch with reality. The GOP had better remember there are more low and middle-class voters than there are Republican voters. The GOP has alientated the poor and Main Street America with their greedy and incompetent behavior. Sorry guys, it’s time to own up.
Posted by: Ataxpayer2 | April 28, 2009, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Another one bites the dust! The incredible shrinking Republican Party. Soon only the extremist, radical, lunatic fringe base will be left.
Posted by: Sammy | April 28, 2009, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
Remember when they said the democratic party was ‘dead’?
The dem. party wasn’t dead, it was just taking a back seat at that time.
It’s just the democrats turn now to be in power.
This guy, Specter, is just trying to get re-elected next go around. He sees the hand writing on the wall in his state and is an opportunist. That defines him in a nutshell at this point in his career. All of a sudden he gets a big revelation? His revelation was more about getting re-elected.
That’s pretty lame, but I say, “Go for it, Arlen. This move will define you.
Posted by: look, listen, and learn | April 28, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Wow! Intesting comments. I always thought the voters voted in a candidate of a party. I never thought a party just placed whomever they pleased in office? In fact, if that was the way it worked why did the GOP lose the election? Could it be because the voters, have lost faith in the Republican Party? Lately, the actions of a poor-loser party has not been very commendable. The GOP is viewed as unsupportive, counter-productive, obstructionist and sadly, unbelieveable.
Don’t keep blaming the Democrats or the voters—look at yourselves.
Posted by: Ann Marie | April 28, 2009, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
jamesbuilder: The only time party affiliation matters is in the primary. After that we vote for the better person regardless of party.
Posted by: George | April 28, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
Both parties should practice what they preach.
I agree with Ann Marie: we all should look at ourselves (both republican and democractic parties).
There are no innocents here.
There should be no grandiosity from either parties.
Both had a hand in this financial mess.
It would be refreshing if both sides would own up to their part.
Posted by: looking, listening, and learning | April 28, 2009, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
If I’m not mistaken Senator Spector was a democrat before changing over to the republican party. I am a democrat. In a general election, I almost always split my ticket. I have voted for Senator Spector in every general election because I felt that he was one of the better choices. I haven’t and still don’t agree with all of his ideaology, but I do believe that he really has a desire to make sure that the people in PA are heard. I say “Welcome Back, Senator Spector”
Posted by: Cynthia | April 28, 2009, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm
Senator Specter has decided to put the people he serves over the party, and that’s something the Republicans can’t stand because ever since Reagan they’ve put the richest 5% above everyone else. Americans have finally realized this is the case and if it keeps up, in a few years the Republican Party will likely disappear. There was a time when it was a very good party and an essential balance against extremist liberals, but Specter is right: the party has gone off a cliff to the extreme right. One doesn’t have to listen to a propagandist windbag such as Rush Limbaugh very long to understand this.
Posted by: Igor | April 28, 2009, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
No where in this statement does Specter say how this move will specifically benefit his constituents. He used the word “I” 35 times out of 639 words. Must be all about him, huh? This move is insurance for his re-election, not better representation for Pennsylvanians. In short: It’s the power, stupid!
Posted by: Awakened Patriot | April 29, 2009, 7:21 am 7:21 am
I love these Republican names: “Awakened Patriot.” That kind of gushy slogan and word selection has worked as long as it’s going to work. Americans have awakened to the reality that Republicans could give a big fat d_____ about most of us. Look at the legislation they shoved through from 2000-2006. Almost all of it benefited the same fat cats: big oil, the drug companies, huge insurance companies. It’s the only Congress, Awakened “Patriot,” that passed any tax cut at all during a time of war. Eisenhower told his Republican Party where to put their recommended tax cut during the Korean War. And why, Mr. Patriot, do Americans pay double the price for medicines than any other advanced country? Look at the Republican votes protecting that GREED and you’ll find out. As Gump said” “Stupid is as Stupid does.” And stupidity is a matter of taking loudly without substantiating FACTS.
Posted by: Igor | April 29, 2009, 11:04 am 11:04 am
Are we sure the Demos want him?
Will they take anyone as long as they are breathing and passing gas?
I mean, this is Arlen Specter we are talkin’ about.
Posted by: Noz | April 29, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm
republicans should have realized by now that you can fool some of the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all the time. also, with a growing poor and minority population they should begin to speak another language. as the previous person said, there are more poor and disenfranchised people than rich people in america.pat buchanan’s sister was dead wrong when she said that the republicans do not need the black vote. when combine the black, hispanic, latino, and asian vote any political realizes they need these people. our country is changing when will the republicans begin to understand that limbaugh, hannity, and tom thomas thompson (michael steel)are not good representatives for their party with all their coded racists comments, be it class or race.
Posted by: helen agent | April 29, 2009, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
REPUBLICAN VALUES? All the Religious conservatism aside (Gay marriage, abortion), I remember Republican values having to do mostly with individual owners or small mom-and-pop shops wanting to start a small business with as little government limitations as possible? (such as regulations or taxes).
TODAY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS OBSOLETE…
We live in an age when HUGE corporations employing the size of small countries are the majority business owners today. Everyone works for a bigger company, rarely for themselves. Especially with the recent economic collapse it is clear that WE DO NEED SOME FORM OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT.
To be very straightforward, the only way I see republicans EVER winning again, is by fooling the citizens with massive campaigns, lying, controversial vote filtering or manipulation, etc.
The bottom line is, we all want the same thing here… To have a comfortable life (including a house, health care, etc.) with the opportunities to explore ideas and innovation.
Posted by: Edward Anastas | May 3, 2009, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm