How They voted

[minionofmidas]

I'm a bit disappointed by Arlen Specter.

[minionofmidas]

And by Byrd.

[minionofmidas]

I'm a bit disappointed by Arlen Specter.

He's up for re-election, and he needs to appear more Conservative than he is.

Does he? He's won that primary already.

[minionofmidas]

I'm a bit disappointed by Arlen Specter.

He's up for re-election, and he needs to appear more Conservative than he is.

Does he? He's won that primary already.

He still has to pander to the conservative base so the Libertarian and Constitution parties don't split the right-wing votes and let Hoeffel win with 45% or so.

Yes, but he has to pick up votes in the Center (or rather: just left of center) as well...Now don't get me wrong, it's possible that that's the reason. I'm just not entirely convinced
a) that that's what he was doing - he may have voted for what he thinks is right
b) if that's the reason, whether it was wise.

[minionofmidas]

Exactly. It's not impressing Libertarians, it's about impressing Conservatives who might otherwise vote Libertarian as a protest.