Specter's defection inches Democrats closer to a filibuster-proof majority
Jamie Dickens
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Life
Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania surprised many in the political community Tuesday, April 28 when he announced he would run as a Democrat instead of a Republican in the primary next year. Many Democrats were delighted, but Republicans vented frustration, anger, or sentiments of good riddance Wednesday.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chair of the Nation Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSCC) tried to quell his obvious disappointment by issuing a statement expressing renewed concern and calling on voters to reissue checks and balances to the government.
Under the assumption that Al Franken will be the new senator from Minnesota, the Democrats will now have 60 of 100 seats in the Senate. This means, there is less potential for a Republican filibuster which is used to delay votes. It is this which Cornyn is referring.
Rush Limbaugh expressed feigned pleasure. He even went as far to say to take McCain as well. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) expressed frustration with her own Republican Party in an Op-Ed. for the New York Times. She stated, "It is true that being a Republican moderate sometimes feels like being a cast member of Survivor - you are presented with multiple challenges, and you often get the distinct feeling that you're no longer welcome in the tribe. But it is truly a dangerous signal that a Republican senator of nearly three decades no longer felt able to remain in the party."
After this surprise article, Minority Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with Sen. Snowe. CQ Politics reported that the meeting was to allow her to vent her frustration and provide the opportunity for her to give suggestions for how to help revive the "Republican brand."
Sen. Specter gave reasons for joining the Democratic Party. Already, he was facing a tough primary battle in Pennsylvania. Since switching, polls indicate calmer political waters for the aging senator. In his remarks, he stated his belief that the Republicans had move too far to the right and he was feeling pressure to vote and participate in party politics instead of what he felt was good for the country.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chair of the Nation Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSCC) tried to quell his obvious disappointment by issuing a statement expressing renewed concern and calling on voters to reissue checks and balances to the government.
Under the assumption that Al Franken will be the new senator from Minnesota, the Democrats will now have 60 of 100 seats in the Senate. This means, there is less potential for a Republican filibuster which is used to delay votes. It is this which Cornyn is referring.
Rush Limbaugh expressed feigned pleasure. He even went as far to say to take McCain as well. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) expressed frustration with her own Republican Party in an Op-Ed. for the New York Times. She stated, "It is true that being a Republican moderate sometimes feels like being a cast member of Survivor - you are presented with multiple challenges, and you often get the distinct feeling that you're no longer welcome in the tribe. But it is truly a dangerous signal that a Republican senator of nearly three decades no longer felt able to remain in the party."
After this surprise article, Minority Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with Sen. Snowe. CQ Politics reported that the meeting was to allow her to vent her frustration and provide the opportunity for her to give suggestions for how to help revive the "Republican brand."
Sen. Specter gave reasons for joining the Democratic Party. Already, he was facing a tough primary battle in Pennsylvania. Since switching, polls indicate calmer political waters for the aging senator. In his remarks, he stated his belief that the Republicans had move too far to the right and he was feeling pressure to vote and participate in party politics instead of what he felt was good for the country.
Be the first to comment on this story