Maybe it’s no coincidence that I’ve been derided for years by the far-right as a Republican in name only. Well, I’m no longer a Republican. I’m again a Democrat, and I’m pleased and proud to be a Democrat.
Sen. Arlen Specter • Speaking in front of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party yesterday, where he was making his debut as a Democrat. He switched parties a month ago, a move so stunning that it caused a 2.8 earthquake to rumble through the District of Columbia (OK, not really). The feeling was mutual in Pa. One Democratic organizer, Jim Burn, noted it was “a little surreal to see someone here who many men and women in the room spent 30 years trying to beat.” • source
It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable.
Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Spector • On why he’s switching parties. He claims that he always voted based on the issue, not the party line, but the Republicans aren’t happy with him in his state. His switching brings the Democrats closer to a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Less filibusters = more pushing stuff through. Liberals must be getting excited. • source