Arlen Specter Statement on Switching Parties to the Democratic

Sen. Arlen Specter has just announced in his Washington Senate office that he will switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. His move gives Democrats 59 votes in the Senate....

Specter put out the following statement today:



I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. 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


When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.


Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.


I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.


I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.


I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.


I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania's economy.


I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.


While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.


My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords' switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy's statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

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[billyshake]

judas shmoodas. the guy was being trashed everyday by his own party. of course he left.

[cclasby]

Both parties are a sham.

[yakkahDotCom]

thumbs up for this video

[Skrunkcat]

Pat Toomey

[jvmalum]

Everyone should switch ti independent, that will scare the wee out of all of them.

Then they would here our voices!!!

I'm switching this week.

[Fukkutah]

seems like a flip flop opportunist to me jumping party wagons whenever it was suitable for his own interests. Once in 65 from D to R and now back again .. No loyalty or even respect for those who elected him in the first place. A mirror image of another politician: Joe Lieberman who is now on the other wagon. I wonder when Lieberman will jump back too??!!

[ai268]

A surprise ??? Just another Judas after 2000 years.

[FSPDJ1]

When a politician votes like a big spending liberal regardless of his party affiliation, it makes No difference whether he/she is a so called republican. EXAMPLE: Omnibus Stimulus package would not have passed without the 3 Repub. votes; Collins, Snow and Specter. Specter's move gives the impression that congress can do anything they want no matter what. Average Americans will assume they can't do anything about it and go back to sleep while Democratic social engineering finally destroys us.

[subcom6]

I totally agree!!! Have some standards, the people of PA have been duped. If you want to come out and run as a democrat do it in the primary, not in the middle of your term. The man doesnt even agree with anything the Dems do. WTF?

[dantheleo]

When you can't get elected as a Republican, run as a democrat, ha - hope that works out for you. This just proves the liberal mentality, he was not doing his job for the people he represents but only for himself and his misguided hope that he will be elected again. Not bloody likely!

[cwm2utam]

glad to see him go