You guys know Penna. politics better than any of us. I have read the Specter thread and your comments with interest. And I have no agenda here except to get your opinions and analysis.
1. Was Specter certain to lose to Toomey in a primary?
2. If so, why would Penna. voters ditch the old fellow? Is it because of his health? His socially moderate positions? Support for the stimulus? Or something else?
3. If Specter was trying to insure re-election by switching parties, how will that make a difference? Instead of Toomey beating him in the primary, he beats him in November, right? So how is this opportunism?
LOL -- I am not saying Specter isn't being an opportunist. In another thread, I noted that he probably IS...as are many party switchers. But I still don't have answers to the above questions and would be grateful for your help as I think this through. Thanks!
1. Yes
2. PA GOPers wanted to "ditch the old fellow", not the state at large. It seems the GOP has a greater distaste for its moderates than the Dems. Case and point the 2006 Senate election. Myself and many other pro-choicers weren't happy with Bob Casey, but most of us felt well.. what's worse? Casey and his liberal economics/moderate social or Santorum being almost far right on everything (wow, with the DeMints and Coburns it's hard to believe I'm saying "almost" far right with Santorum).
3. Specter's always been an opportunist. March to the beat-
LEFT. RIGHT.LEFT.LEFT.RIGHT.LEFT RIGHT LEFT. What will his position be tomorrow? He simply wants to stay in politics and figued moving to the Democratic party was the only way it could happen.
