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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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8

Specter: I'm Not 'Automatic 60th Vote' for Dems

GOP colleagues 'stunned,' angered by senator's party switch

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(Newser) – Newly minted Democrat Arlen Specter said he will not blindly toe the party line, Politico reports. “I will not be an automatic 60th vote,” the veteran Pennsylvania senator said, pointing out recent opposition to a unionization bill. “If the Democratic Party asks too much, I will not vote with them.”

The reaction from Republicans, meanwhile, ranged from shock to anger. “I’m stunned,” said, Sen. San Brownback “I had no idea this was coming.” Said Sen. Olympia Snowe: “The blunt reality is that we’re losing another key moderate who has played a key role in the Republican Party.” And in a statement, Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele snarled, “Some in the Republican Party are happy about this. I am not. … Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don’t do it first.”

Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., speaks at a news conference today.
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., speaks at a news conference today.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., leaves a news conference today.
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., leaves a news conference today.   (AP Photo)
Republican National Chairman Michael Steele.
Republican National Chairman Michael Steele.   (AP Photo)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., speaks to the media today.
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., speaks to the media today.   (AP Photo)
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Voters next year will have a clear choice to cast their ballots for a potentially unbridled Democrat super-majority versus the system of checks-and-balances that Americans deserve. - Senator John Cornyn, on Specter's defection

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8 comments
VIEWING:
 
TRU2TM3
Apr 28, 09 3:21 PM CDT
But you are a big slap in the face to a lot of right-wingers nut bags, so you're an ace in my book. Reply
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0
RowdyIdaho
Apr 28, 09 3:52 PM CDT
Typical politician. He was going to loose his seat so just be a traitor to your own party. Glad to see him go he fits in with the Dems just fine. Reply
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-3
IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Apr 28, 09 4:01 PM CDT
Spector has always been more moderate in his stance and historically has not been afraid to vote outside his party's recommendation. Unfortunately with republicans, if you are not in 100% agreement, you are demonized. The republicans deserve him leaving the party. They brought it on themselves.
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
Snowleopard
Apr 28, 09 5:51 PM CDT
Spector is one of the few respectable politicans in washington
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0
justme
Apr 28, 09 6:11 PM CDT
The Dems will soon learn what the Republicans have kknown for a long time. Specter votes wherever it suits him, mostly near the middle. He will join the rank of the Blue dogs. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0

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