Arlen Specter Turns Into a Democrat

By Roy Edroso Tue., Apr. 28 2009 at 12:07 PM

Categories: Exploring the Right Wing Blogosphere, Featured, Politics, Transitions

They're having a hard time getting Al Franken to take a seat in the Senate, so in the meantime Democrats will have to make do with a new seat in Pennsylvania: Senator Arlen Specter is switching parties. "I have been a Republican since 1966," says the rightwing's bete noir in a statement. "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... I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary." He also cites the stimulus, his support of which, he allegedly found in talking to Pennsylvania Republican leaders, "caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable."

Conservatives have been hating on Specter for years. He wouldn't even join them in voting Bill Clinton guilty, nor support every dog-whistle talking-point they churned out of their policy shops. Now they've put one of their own up to challenge him in the next primary, and Specter has had enough.

First shrieks from the rightbloggers: "Well, it appears that the head of the Turncoat Caucus is finally making it official," says Michelle Malkin. "Turncoat!" agrees Political Debris. "I'm sorry the Reps don't adjust values to fit yours," tweets nathancoffey. "The world doesn't revolve around you!" Many more assuredly to follow -- especially when they figure out that with Franken that means 60 filibuster-bustin' votes. Image (cc) scriptingnews.