Arlen Specter is switching parties, becoming a Democrat. He was facing a tough primary challenge next year from a onservative and probably sees this as his best chance for re-election

Ah, you won this one.

Maybe if Cheney would shut his yap Specter wouldn't be quite so nervous about that R after his name.

Your mistake was taking the time to report details and provide a source.

Lesson learned.

Specter didn't stand a chance to win his republican nomination when he's up in 2010. His only chance was switching parties, running unopposed in the dem primary, and winning the general - which he most likely will.

This was done for no other reason than preserving his political career.

Taking that as a given, how should the Dems treat him? Open arms or keep him at arms length? The one news report I heard on this talked about what concessions Specter should be demanding from the Dem's in terms of committee memberships and the like.

True, I don't see why this will much change how he votes. I'm sure he'll stick with his new caucus on more procedural things but nothing really important where he has so far disagreed with (the new for him) party line.

I also don't think it eases his next campaign a lot. Yes, if he survives the primary he'll probably easily beat whoever the Republicans put up, but I don't see why the state party would have much reason to put a lot of weight behind him when they could have a true Democrat (rather than a slightly more conservative Lieberman).

Seems to me that Specter will be hoping to skate through the primary on name recognition.

I'd like to see Specter and Lieberman in a celebrity death match for the title of least funny Jew.

Great article on not giving in to fear and panic

(Posted here for lack of a better place.)