CNN

Specter can work his way up now; after all, there are repercussions for putting SELF first.

In a wire story release just a short while ago on the CNN site, Spector said he was promised continuing senority. That comes after Spector had said there were no promises made in exchange for the switch.

Shows that he's a liar and the Dems are getting full of themselves. Wonder if Obama will back off on his pledge of support against a fellow Dem now that Spector has lost his pull.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Stripping Spector of his seniority is a sad outcome. Now, instead of being no worse than "ranking member" (#2) on committees he chaired when the Republicans controlled the Senate, Spector finds himself on the lowest rung of the seniority ladder. Obviously, his switch didn't win any new friends among Democrats. (I wonder if they would have taken this action if he had supported the "card check" bill?)
In hindsight, Spector would be better off to run as an independent.

He is an elder in the senate ......this will not change.

I am not sure which is more annoying: the over the top conservative attacks on him, or the liberals who believe that any one who hurts the conservatives did something admirable. He quit the Republicans in order to keep his seat in an increasingly democratic district. This is not some huge ideological accomplishment or failure. Its just politics as usual taken to the next level: "Do what you have to do, to get yourself re-elected."

The entire structure of Congress (both houses) is based upon seniority, so you can not actually dismiss the impact of this ruling. While Committee Chairs may have more power and influence then other members, Senior members are definitely higher on the influence and power ladder than junior members. I just hope the people of Pennsylvania reject his politically ploy and vote someone else in, be they Democrat, Republican, or Ineffective Independent like myself.

Spector's demanding 'affirmative action', which is something he, as a Republican, was always firmly against.
He wants special preferences and his colleagues didn't choose to give it to him.
Maybe what he outta do is SWITCH PARTIES... again... but that would be the THIRD time, since he also switched 18 years ago from Democrat to the GOP.
Anyway, he's stated he won't vote in favor of the president's agenda, so Pennsylvania Democrats shouldn't vote for him next year.
That MSNBC guy Chris Matthews started to look better and better once Specter made his move.

It is amazing to read some of these comments. This is a country of rules. Has anyone considered that the senate followed the governing rules in assigning Arlen Specter on the various committees?

Try this on for size.........
Specter changed parties with the blessing of the Republican party. He is the senior Senator for his party on the Judiciary Comm. If he was allowed to retain his seniority he would become Chairman. He would then be in a position to disrupt President Obama's Supreme Court Justice nomination.

You know, you just can't expect to get everything. When you make an action there will always be an equal but opposite reaction!

You see the Dem's and the Republicans don't trust you, sort of like Lieberman. Your independance forces all to look at you as an outsider. That's fine but you don't get in that way.

Politics is a dirty business big guy and what you did to your party is a sign of it, just like Lieberman

Amazing that so many people on here think that the Republicans did this to Specter. Makes a good arguement for some sort of voter qualification test. When you have morons voting, is it any wonder you have morons and crooks in office?

Hahahahahahahaha!!! The other side doesn't seem so great, now, does it Senator Specter.

Start at the bottom again, Two-Face.

HEY ARLEN!!!..GUESS WHAT???..GOTCHA!!..which one of your rocket scientist advisors told you to switch parties???..,,give that boy a cigar..

Senator Specter switched to the Democratic party for personal gain not because his idealogy had changed. He has also made it very clear that he will not be the 60th vote and I feel he will continue to vote Republican. We now need to make sure he does not win in Pennsylvania.

Him being stripped is pretty lame, but it's pretty amusing because he is just looking to get re-elected. They need to scrap the party system. How about we just vote for people based on their character and not on if they are with the "right" party. People are becoming drones that can't think anymore and Specter is just trying to cash in on that.

And please, can we stop making hateful comments about each party? Guess what? They are all politicians and almost all of them are looking out for themselves in some way or another. No party is better than the other and people from both parties have been making nasty comments.

And another thing – don't be blinded to the fact that the republicans haven't been in control over the last 8 years. One person does not define control.

Be independent.

What the Dems are doing is just common sense. You can't take on a new hire without a probationary period, regardless of their experience. With all the excitement of a new highly qualified hire, a good employer must see if the fit is right. The Reps are sore and the Dems are partisan. We'll see that for years to come until the ins and the outs are reversed. Same old Washington.

It basically is up to the good people of Pennsylvania to indicate whether they are supporting Specter's decision to go democrat or toss him out on his behind! Is the man loved that much that the good voter will not recoil that he has turned only to save his posterior from being defeated in the next election, the man knows which way the sun shines! Simply saying that he used to be a democrat years ago doesn't make any more sense than spitting into the wind. But of course the man changed his party back in '66 when the country was going more republican then with the election of Nixon in '68. The voters should be a little tired of being so manipulated and tired of these changing musical chairs of Specter! Is Specter truly a Democrat? is a reasonable question!

You reap what you sow, Arlen.

Why do liberals continue to call conservatives ignorant? Is this based on CNN sampling? Population statistics? Or simply Hollywood-style observations? Liberal or conservative, ignorance and intollerance are common and oft shared traits (just check CCN or Fox message boards for a wee taste). I'd suggest we all step back, count to a hundred and try to remember that in a democracy individuals have the right to believe as they will or conceive ideas that don't fit into your personal norm. Respect the ideas and observations of all people, all ages, and cultures – the key is RESPECT...which doesn't imply ADOPT. Our culture (that of the United States of America) is the greatest on earth because of the tollerance of indivduals...our embracing of FREEDOM. Engage in meaningful discussions and quit wallowing in hate and indignation. And if I misspelled anything or my grammar sucks...sorry...I am a Republican afterall.

The Democrats got a big break getting Spector to change parties. Then they dump on him.

This may come back to bite the Dems if Spector is not perceived as a powerful committee chairman when the elections are held next year. It may be just enough to put Tom Ridge on top in PA.

Common folk refer to this phenomenon as "You move, you lose!" It applies to seating arrangements around the TV.

Republicans hypocracy........

They do this to him just because of switching the parties but could have lost the election if he remained a rep. anyway....

All these comments just show both liberals and conservatives are nut cases, he was in the senate either way his party affiliation should not matter to people so much. He's helped both parties, and both parties now treat him like crap. There should be a third party for the center.

Welcome to the Democratic Party Senator Spector.

There should be no senority in either the House or Senate
The American people deserve the best person for the job.

I got him on the seniority issue, and I am working on getting him next year during the elections...the GOP will get him in November if the Dems don't get him during the 2010 primary.

Didn't Spector pay any attention to Jim Jeffords?

I guess that's the BIG payback for voting against the President's recent Budget....But that can't be so since there are Democrats opposing the President's energy bill.....Maybe it's a rule of some sort that I'm not familiar with (yet). Anyway....It's a bit hypocritical I think.....His years in Congress should not be denied, nor disrespected.....I'm leery of his motives, I admit, but I have the conviction to be fair, and judge him innocent until proven otherwise....

The main thing is that he's on our side now. Way to go Specter! Anyone else care to jump? Come on over.

Specter goes from Rino to Dino. The new term is ironic considering his number of years on the senate and lack of seniority will probably lead to his extiction.

To blazes with party loyalty. When did the party become more important than the role of representation of your constituates interests? Both parties need to consider taking a step back and let people in elected roles demonstrate whether or not they can fulfill their purpose as extensions of their supporting voter's interests. The party rams too many candidates down our throats who are good party hacks, but lousy elected officials. If Spector is a good Senator for his home state, who cares what party button he wears on his lapel?

To all of the people who are complaining that senators should have term limits:

Congress was set up bicamerally for a reason. The House of Representatives, in which members must be re-elected every two years, is the body that is supposed to be swayed the most by voters. Senators, much like the members of the Supreme Court, were supposed to be able to vote their conscience without worrying about the effect it would have on their re-election, thus the longer terms. I do concede, however, that this is not the case in this day and age but some founders of this great nation wanted senators to have life appointments but compromised for only six year terms. Imposing term limits would go against this compromise.

It should be temporary.

Natasha did you read the article? It was the democrats who made him the junior senator. Hopefully, as a voter, you pay more attention to what you read.

Good – Appropriate justice for a turn coat.

Not only do we all emit co2 when we exhale, but we all have the same ability to emit hatred. To think it is only a right wing or liberal or repub or dem or anyone else thing is to not objectively read posts or to listen.
So, to find humor in this behavior in others is kinda like saying you are free from it. Hmmm…I would expect, if that were true, you would choose to be offended rather than entertained. I think this is a big deal to Specter because he will lose some power and he will be viewed as the 'new guy'. That will impact the bacon he brings home to his constituents and thus, perhaps his seat.

Arlen Spector is an "over the hill" ego maniac so hooked on being in the Senate and "riding in the big cars" that he has willingly sacrificed all principles and those voters he has defrauded–A SECOND TIME-to try to hang on to his warped sense of what is important and at the same time outright lying by saying his continued tenure will be important to the "people" of Pennsylvania! What a crock!!!

Love live Obama socialism

Wake up! They are all the same, Republicans and Democrats. They are all Politicians. A rose is a rose by any other name.

He was stripped of his seniority by a unanimous voice vote.

So here's the liberal spin:

Arlen Spector was stripped of is seniority. But since he was "forced" out of his party, it really was the republicans fault.

End liberal spin.

Specter will be the Democratic candidate next year and will most likely win, despite this lose of seniority. The majority of Pennsylvanians are Democrats. Besides, isn't Tom Ridge a moderate too? This ought to be good watching the GOP try and pull this one off.
Wow, if you'd look at these blogs you'd actually think that conservative support was more than 21% in America. Oh, wait... that's right. This is the Republicans only way of venting since the majority of America isn't buying what they're saying. As you were...

Winston Churchill "ratted" (switched parties) – and in due course he did it again! He famously said, "It is all right to rat, but you can't re-rat."

Congratulations Specter – you just stipped your state of a senior senator in exchange for a junio senator - If I were a PA voter, I would be hopping mad and would no more put specter back in office as some criminal

Oh the joys of political posturing!
Give me a break! I am glad Senator Specter is a part of the Democratic party, but does seniority on a committee really matter? He still gets to be a member and participate in discussion, so what's the big deal?

Hey...he is a novice Democratic representative. It will take time for him to purge himself of all the mistaken ideas he had before he can incorporate the absolute truth. So...is there a problem with that?

He got what he deserves!
TURNCOAT penality! I hope there is more to come.

As he should be, he is a newbie, you have to earn your seat! And he has some earning to do!

Well the way he has back tracked on loyalty he should be facing a primary and should he lose he won't need to be concerned about senority.

This sounds like normal stuff, you can't have an opponent on the same team. These Republican sure are nasty buggers.

This is all meaningless. There are people on Committee's who have more power than others. They are called "Chairperson." He was not Chairperson of any Committee as a Republican because they are a minority party. He was just another Senator with 29 years of seniority. He's in the exact same position now. He can't Chair anything. So what. He still has 29 years and alot of pull.

And by the way, stabbing Republicans in the back is always good practice. Thanks Senator Specter for having some guts.

I just enjoy reading the pathetic hate-filled posts by the conservative writers. They're always amusing, illiterate and avoid facts like Mexican Swine Flu.

Two words people..."TERM LIMITS"

So what? Seniority is more than just words on a paper or numbers on a roll. No matter what his # is, they can't take away his experience, his record or reputation, nor his personal and professional relationships that he has built up in the Senate all of these years. Most of the negotiating goes on behind the scenes, away from the offices anyway...He'll be just fine.

So the Democrats have stripped your seniority this is where you have landed in the Democratic Senate seat. When and Where are you going to jump out of this seat.? I guess, your own seat at home.

After the last 8 years, it always tickles me when Republicans complain about how full of hate Democrats are. As if NO Republican would EVER say anything nasty about a liberal. After decades of being called wimps, traitors and terrorist sympathizers for worrying about the morality of torture, starving Americans and the Bill of Rights. As if after 8 years of ruinous Republican rule the Democrats don't have a right to be peeved. They must teach classes in advanced hypocricy in the mega-churches, or perhaps only those with a true gift for double standards and faux-moral-outrage become Republicans?

If we were really full of hate Dubya would be in the Hague right now!

He should be stripped, and the dems should be very cautious because this guy is only out for himself. He should be voted out!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, but that was a really rotten thing to do to him. He turned his back on the GOP and the Dems are going to treat him like this? If I were him I would become an independent and forget both parties.

Wow how sad! A person can't even follow their convictions without repercusions. Boy politics are nothing but a big game!

I have no qualms with Specter losing his seniority. Like I tell my kids: If you want the benefits of being treated like an adult, you have to accept the responsibilities too. Choices have consequences. Just like elections. This is life.

He is the newest democrat in the senate. As such he has the lowest seniority, they simply wanted to insure that he would not be elevated above the members of the senate who have always been loyal democrats.

President Washington warned of the dangers of parties in his farewell address. He said that representatives would put party above country. For over more than two hundred years, his prediction has held true.

Get rid of the party system and let each run on his/her own merits.

Specter hasnot been particularly reliable. The first thing out of his mouth is to tell us that he will not be loyal. Then he goes on vote against the President's agenda. As if that is not enough, he openly supports Coleman while, still expecting to keep seniority as a Dem and, to run unchallenged! Who does he think he is?

Switching parties is not a precondition for voting your conscience in Congress.The institution and the country would be far better off with the expectation that elected officials will cross party lines on some issues. Bloc voting in the name of party is not representation but rather the "rule" of many by the few. Leaders of both parties use rewards and threat to force bloc voting which is a sad testimony of the current state of Washington. The willingness of "our" elected officials to be managed this way is a reflection of personal ambition and ambition being sacrificed for self benefit. The senator did not have to change parties to vote his conscience and delivering the Democrats (or the Republicans)ithis power is a disgrace.It was done for pure personal gain by tring to remain in office by using Pa. Democrats.

Smart move dems because although I welcome him to the party he can't be depended on to vote our way all the time.

If all you people are so angry and have such strong 'opinions' on who is right or wrong, who is smart or an 'idiot' and the definitions of 'treason' (hint: it has nothing to do with switching a political party affiliations) may I suggest you turn your negative energy into something useful and either:

- Run for office yourself
- Write/call your elected reps in DC and let them know how you feel
- Get involved in the 'issues' you are ranting about instead of sitting on the sofa whining
- Help others in need – unless helping others is a 'handout' in your mind, then, please stay at home
- Quit with the cutsey names and biblical nicknames for OUR President and open a dictionary or history book
- Look inside yourself or visit local clergy and excorcise your hate before it eats you alive

If there's one thing that Specter the Defector should have learned from history, it's that nobody trusts a traitor, even (and especially) when they join their own camp.

Arlen Specter is now nothing but the proverbial poster child for congressional term limits. He's not focused on serving anyone's interests but his own. We have term limits on the presidency for a reason. Congress should not be exempt.

This was a planned on, and expected move by all involved

No news here

Wow, the inability of people to read is astounding. The vote was unanimous. The DEMS stripped him of his seniority. I was under the impression that this switch was agreed to with the understanding that he would keep his seniority.

Bad move from the Dems, and I am a Dem.

Specter – the Defecter...
Never loyal Republican and will never be loyal Democrat.
Specter – Just another "backstabber" and just loyal to himself

You're all missing the point: Spector was the senior republican of the judiciary commitee. If they honored his seniority, he would wind up the chair. That's the commitee in charge of supreme court nominations. Justice Souter just retired, which means a new appointment is in the offing. Do you think the Dems would put a newly minted ex-republican in charge of that utterly crucial process? Espescially one with a history of loyalty problems, and given the GOP's chicanery?

What a great scheme that would be, have a republican senator switch sides to be put in charge of sabotaging the nomination process. I'm not saying that was the plan, but I wouldn't put that past the GOP.

Ha...that's awesome! Just goes to show you the spine less cowards we have in D.C.!

Specter could care less where he is in highschool pecking orders

He is in the Senate to get things done ... his one vote like all others, is equal

The GOP is pathetic. Period.

Senator specter deserved this . He said he was not a loyal republican and then he said he wanted the Minnesota supreme court to award the seat to Norm Coleman. I think Senator specter needs to know that you should not cheer for the other team. Although senator Lieberman got away with it.

That's impossible, radical. Pennsylvania has a "sore loser" law that makes that illegal.

Spector should retire and sit in his rocking chair. He is 79 years old and has been a senator too long. There should be term limits for senators like the president has or age limits. Kennedy, Reid , Lieberman and republican McCain should also retire. They don't want to give up the power or the money which they don't need and its time for the younger set to be in the senate and there are a lot of them out there that could run. We need changes in this country.

Must be a slow news day! Not exactly the first time anyone switched parties. Looks like the media is trying to create an issue that's a non-issue. He may have dropped to the bottom of the comittee but you can't take away the number of years he's served. He can still say he's served 29 years and that you can't take away. So he speaks last–isn't the last to speak the one you remember?

He is to old to be in the congress anyway, he should have retired years ago.

This was bad form. Bad form.

To those complaining that "Republicans" exacted revenge for his defection, let it be known that it was DEMOCRATS who stripped him of his seniority – remember, even without him they control 58 of the current 99 votes and could have done whatever they wanted – they didn't want him to jump over longer standing Democrats and didn't care what Sen. Reid promised him. He got what he deserved – he will not profit from jumping ship.

You got what you deserved Arlen. All they want is your vote. I hope it was worth it.

Natasha, it was the Democratic Senators who voted to strip him of his seniority, not the Republicans.

This was a bipartisan act people... not just the Republican's being petty. However, I still don't understand it. He has still been a senator for all these years, what difference does it make if it's as a Democrat or Republican.

I don't like Congress.

The only people Spector has to answer to is the people in PA not the whole country. If he is not your Senator why should you care. Most of you seem to be attacking the Republicans for this. If I am not mistaken the Democrats have control of the Sentate. Which means they should have control of the committe as well. As for a party of change I dont see the change.

If Arlen Spector was a selfish person, he would not have endangered his seniority, idiots. He followed his convictions, making a point of saying that the GOP is no longer in touch with moderate Americans.

I am surprised that Democrats went along with stripping him of seniority but on second thought, maybe not... many of those same Democrats are themselves SELFISH and SELF-CONCERNED and SELF-INTERESTED individuals who participated in the Party of No's last 8 years of ruining this country.

Maybe it's time to get rid of THEM. Let's get folks in there who A) are interested in the plight of REAL AMERICANS, not CORPORTATIONS AND BANKS... and B) are not CAREER politicians - how about some people UNDER the age of Crypt-keeper?

Don't get me wrong... I'm over 50 myself. But I believe those folks have a vested interest in keeping corporations and banks and their own rewards working for themselves - and they are HARDLY "average Americans".

Maybe it's time for a third party majority.

I guess the democrates don't really want his vote. Or at least they don't act like it. Perhaps they don't want a filibuster proof majority afterall...b/c then when something goes wrong they have no excuses anymore. It's all on them.

What is so facinating to me is the absolute hatred that Democrats seem to have for Republicans. That alone is a scary scenario and several of these people call themselves loyal Americans. I would suggest if they demonstrate such hatred towards others or demean others because of their party affiliation, they leave this country and go elsewhere. Spector is just another example of what is wrong with this country. He is only concerned for himself and not his fellow Americans. If I was from PA I would be absolutely inscensed about him changing, making announcements and then obviously being not only wrong about his seniority but showing a total lack of integrity, intelligence and sence of caring towards his fellow citizens.

I can't believe some of you are blaming the Republican party for Specter's loss of seniority. He switched to the Democratic party, and the Democratic party determines seniority of its members on committees (ditto for the Republican party). It was his own new (old) Democratic party that stripped him of seniority, not his former Republican colleagues.

A classic case of bait-and-switch.
"Psst. Hey, Arlen, jump ship to our side and give us the super-majority we need to run this country with impunity, and we'll take of you."
"Okay, fellows, done."
"Good, now go sit in the back of the class, bub, we're giving this front-row seat to someone else. We'll call you if we need you."

When all republicans stick together as a unit on matters involving policy, you KNOW they are PARTISANS not PATRIOTS!! Good that you recognize the difference Senator Specter.

Tom ridge will be the next Senator from Pennsylvania. Actually, he should be the Vice President now.

I am proud to be a DEMOCRAT", so is Mr. Spector he saw what was coming with the dumb republicans and decided to change parties,nothing wrong with that I to would have gone with the winner's anyway-who wants a be on a losing team the repubs have no leg to stand on, they are not going anywhere in politics because of their greed, lies,and continueous dissing our President and not trying to be bypardisom with him, everything he does they are apposed they will never regain their respect from the american people if they don't get on the stick and do what is right-I hope they never recover from their defeat,because its been a long time coming for them to be explorted,they are only getting what they asked for & what they deserve,for treating the american people and lying to them all these decades-they forgot what goes around comes around,and they haven't seen anything yet until they change for the better if they know how.Mr. Spector made a beautiful choice to switch he knows just where his bread and butter is coming from-you go MR.SPECTOR-thanks for joining the winning side.

For what reason would Democrats want to turn a friend into an enemy? They are crushing the chance to bring about change to Republican Party and steer them away from Far Right.

Oh, that's the reason, for the good of Democratic Party, but not the country. Same old partisan politic.

May be Arlen Specter should change to independent now, ditch the two Grand OLD Parties. There should be a rebellion.

Of course he should have seen this coming. Who will the GOP pick to take his place; Sarah Palin or Rush Limbaugh?

The dems didn't do anything that the repulicans wouldn't have done had the whole scenario been reversed. The democrats are thrilled to have such a great Senator as Specter to join their ranks, and as Micheal Steele called it, shoot the republican party the bird. Pretty much what over half of the country and the majority of the rest of the world would like to do.

I would bet that if Specter were not to win the democratic primary than he will simply declare himself an independent and run against both parties nominee. Joe Libermann can give him a few tips on just how to do that.

If he votes with Obama he will keep his day job.

That's the difference between Dems and Repugs. The Dems allowed Lieberman to keep his senior committee position–Repugs are cut-throat and vendictive.

The point is, ANYONE who decides to change their affiliation, no matter from which party to which party, should have this sort of action taken. It would cause them to think twice before they hurt their party like he did by leaving. It is one way to make them think twice. After all, they hurt their constituents and themselves by being wishy washy. Specter was a bad Republican, and apparently at one time a bad Dem. I wish him well, but I could never have voted for him either way. And I most certainly wouldn't now.

For all the people telling the Republicans to grow up, please read the entire article. The Senate passed the "resolution, which set out committee assignments for the entire Senate, was approved on a unanimous voice vote." That means the Democrats in the Senate voted against him also. So why are only the Republicans to grow up? Why don't all of you grow up? It is what it is.

If the republican party have swayed too far from his beliefs, then he is justified in switching. But needs to start over and I am sure he expects that.
How many opposers to Spectors decision have been through a divorce. If they have, they are hypocrites.

GOOD – he deserves what he got. Now if the voters of Pennsylvania have the good sense to vote him out of office next year, that will be a perfect ending.

He has now learned what his previous party will do out of spite and anger at anyone who opposes their non-agenda other than voting "NO" for anything they can. We will gladly vote him in as Senator of Pennsylvania for all he has done for our state in the last 30 years as a politician that was loyal to his constituents as opposed to his party. The republicans consistently show their lack of character at every turn. I respect Senator Specter for his candor and truth regarding the back stabbing egomaniacle republican party.

Stupid Republicans.... why are they so mean about everything? Don't they realize that Specter only did this for the economy.... after all, this is just one more job saved under the Obama administration. Let's celebrate by holding hands and meditating to the mellow sounds of Kenny G. Yay, Obama!!!

That's what happens when people are flip-flopping without a backbone, clinging to the winner at the moment, chasing popularity. I thought he's old enough to learn that.

Whoa! talk about twisting in the wind! I'd like to be a fly on the wall in his office today, watching him pack it up for his new basement office anyway...

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. He's getting exactly what he deserves. He has no prayer of winning next year.

C'mon Pennsylvania, do the right thing and vote this clown out of office!

No simpathy from here, Senator.

But, what did he expect from a party which publicly empbraced him after the switch? The president offered him his best for crying out loud!

Instead, he voted against their budget and publicly recanted his loyalty pledge. As if that was not enough, he said he hoped the court rules in favor of Coleman in an all-but-settled court case. MISSPOKE my bald head!

If we have a minimum age to be a President or Congressman, should we not have a maximum age? Government workers have a max age for forced retirement. Politicians should have the same for just this reason.

Okay, why are people blaming any of this on the GOP? Specter said he changed parties so he wouldn't have to run in the Republican primary. His choice, no one forced him out of the GOP. He lost seniority by a unanimous vote in the Senate, that isn't the GOP being mean to him because he left the party, it is the entire senate taking away his seniority because neither side trusts him.

I'm really glad I switched from Democrat to Independent.

The DEMOCRATS stripped him of his seniority.

All the liberals are reading what they want to read in this article.

1/21/13

This is a marriage made in heaven: a Senator with no convictions, and a party with no scruples.

I hope the rest of the wishy-washy panderers left in the GOP defect to the Democrat party. It is time to liberate the GOP of these losers.

Enjoy him Democrats.

He's your problem now.

For those posting t make reference to how Ronald Reagan was treated by the Republicans when he wisely switched from the Democrat party, remember he was treated so badly he was elected President of the United States. And, he was elected with an overwhelming super majority.

Mybest wishes to Arlen Spector, but, it will be better for the U.S. to have him out of political power. Now, he will be able to take his large retirement check and enjoy his life after the senate.

Looks like there is no more room for Specter in the Democratic tent as there is in the Republican. But at least in the Democratic tent he will be at home with the fakes and liers.

Still waiting for Specter to move forward on charging Anita Hill with perjury. He had not trouble repeatedly making the accusation to the media. Perjury is a serious matter, especially before a congressional panel. Hope the statute of limitations has not run out.

All Spector has to do is to tell the Dems. "look I get seniority or else I vote with the republican" .

My feeling is "good for him"! He is reaping what he sowed. Did he really expect the dems would care about his seniority?

All they care about is how to spend away our children's future with all of the spending being done.

The republicans are just angry that people in their perty do not like what is going on and are leaving, as evident in the last elections. You have people refering to them as Benedict Arnolds, turncoats and disloayalists. Congradulations republicans. You've just described Ronald Reagan, a democrat who changed parties when it appeared tha he could not secure the democratic nomination for governor in California.

Its interesting how many people consider him a "backstabber". He exercised the same right that we as citizens have. Its one of the reasons I remain an independent. I refuse to be labeled as a certain party.

This does show though, that the democrats in power have little respect for him. It also sets a poor precedent if others change their affiliation as well. If you were offered a new position with the company you work for, but it meant that you would be stripped of your seniority at the company, how many of you would actually do it??

Also, His (and any other elected offical) loyality should not be to a specific party or to Obam as Ajay Jain so brilliantly put in his comments, but to the PEOPLE WHO ELECTED HIM AND THOSE HE REPRESENTS.

I don't know about most of you, but I do not want a senator or representative who is "loyal" to their party or to a specific person (be it president or speaker of the house, or the guy who cleans their car at the airport). I want someone who is going to do whats right for the United States and for the people who elected them.

Its amazing .... so many people are caring more about "Party" affiliation and "Party" loyalty ....

What about loyalty to the constituents? Since really that is what he's know for ... doing whats best for those who elected him irregardless of their party affiliation!

The RNC was going to hang him out to dry because he wasn't "Conservative" enough for them. Didn't march to the "Parties" drummer ...."Rush?" ... so bother siding with them at all.

In the end "YES" he sacraficed his "Senority" ... big deal. Pa will re-elect him because of his loyalty to them ... not a particular "Party"

Spector is a fool and an opportunist, but most politicians are. He will lose the senate seat in 2010 even if Mickey Mouse runs!!!

You cannot eat your cake and have it. It has to be what it is.

I guess we can forget about Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins changing parties anytime soon.

Specter is too good and too valuable for this to be permanent. However, let's not forget his smearing of Anita Hill in support of Clarence Thomas.

Spector belongs to the democratic party because they're the party that gets blown around like a leaf in the wind. He was a demo, went to the republicans, now back to the demos. The demos are on the sides of everything that is wrong with the USA, abortion, homosexuality, faith, big business (yes, its no longer a republican label since LaBamba starting bailing them all out of their financial mess), anti-war freaks, etc. The rest of the world is really concerned because the anchor of morality in the USA is now showing significant signs of rust.

He can and should get his seniority back, but he's going to have to prove that his conversion is a bit more sincere than he has demonstrated to date. Absent this display of support for Democrats, he'll continue to lack seniority and he'll be challenged in the primary.

Good going Arlen. Really like how you played the "faith" card, too. Come on! Coleman ought to be seated because he's Jewish. What a yutz!

Joe Sestak is running against Specter in the Democratic Primary and I hope Pennsylvanians support him. Now if we can get Tom Ridge the GOP nomination over Tomey then we may see how the two party system should work (i.e. two great public servants of integrity with differing viewpoints). What a thought!

Our sensible Founders were against political parties for this reason. They believed that a person should serve by their conscience NOT public opinion or party line. If Specter continues to be a voice of reason and sense, then he deserves to stay. If he votes party line to gain clout, then he should go. I think he is making a point about both parties though. If the Dems think they now have a "Supermajority" to ram any old BS down our throats, they are wrong. If the Republicans think that they can continue to be the party of exclusion and hate and get elected, they are wrong.

For the libs who are mentioning Reagan switching from Dem to Republican, well you know you are being dishonest, but I'll correct you anyway.

There was a time before the 1960's when the Democratic party was pro America and not a socialist, selfish, hateful, arrogant party. It's sooo funny to see that if JFK were to run on the exact same platform he did in 1960 today, he would be labelled a far right wing neo-con fascist extremist. JFK's views would make the average lib froth like a latte and spit a rainstorm like their hero Barney Frank.

Reagan was a man of integrity and a true patriot. The Democrat party changed to be the opposite of his beliefs and he switched. For someone to swith to the lib Democrat party today based on where it has been taken by Obama, means that they have always been a socialist and now a have a party to call their own. If you don't feel any remore when you lie or steal from someone then the Democratic party is your home, if you have morals, values and integrity, then the Republican party is where you need to be.

Oh boo-hoo! Arlen tries to save his but, shafts the people he was supposed to represent, and he gets his seniority stripped. Serves him right. If he can't stand up for the conservative and Republican values he led his constituents to thinking he believed in, then he should have no power.

But seeing as he did what he did to save his own butt he should fit right in with the rest of the Dems.

How can either side trust this guy any more? All his votes are suspect.

I have been a longtime Democrat but this power grab is disturbing. I don't think Democrats or Republicans in Washington care what happens to us, they just want power.

Specter did what he had to do. Did we all forget that congress is supposed to represent the people from their districts and not the party. The republicans have seriously lost their way sacraficing the representation of the masses for the few. Good move Arlen maybe more of those who claim to represent their own peopple from their own state will take on their true responsibilities.

Hopefully Specter gets bumped even further down the chain in the next election and is sent home. The guy is a waste fo space.

Spector did not switch because he wanted to be a DEM, he swithced because he was going to lose.
Sounds like the DEMS are scared that a simple minded person wants to be in their party.....OUCH!

You think Specter cares about you? Give me a break, he is only looking out for himself. He knew he would be out of a job at the end of this term and that is why he switched. He felt he could run on the Democratic ticket and win. But from what I'm hearing from his own party he's no very popular on that side of the aisle either. Our Government is forgetting one very basic rule. A Government built by the people for the people. Both parties needs to wake up and start taking care of business or look for a job in 2010.

Specter is a fine centrist Democrat.

He's not a progressive liberal Democrat.

The more irrelevant the Republicans become, the more you'll see of the split between the pro-corporate centrists in the DNC, and the anti-corporate progressives.

Why is everyone shocked at this? Anyone in politics is out to get elected and stay there. Does the election of Barack suddenly mean that politicians are looking out for us? Come on, righties and lefties, we can't be that stupid.

Why does party affiliation and loyalty matter? Doesn't he owe it to his constituents to vote as he promised he would and not to the political party that he is aligned with? He has been labeled a snake, but why? Because he votes on both sides of the party lines? Neither political party is 100% correct on every issue and I find it more troubling when a politician only votes as his party does, instead of taking a look at each decision and voting on the best interest of the people who put him in office

The view from the left truly amuses me. My friends, the GOP has not moved further to the right, the left has simply moved more to the left. The left has become far more radical over the years. I wouldn't expect you to be able to see that though, that would require you to have an open mind and critically and honestly evaluate things. Unfortunately this is something that very few of the neolibs are capable of doing – despite their incredible hubris.

Congratulations to the new Junior Senator – way to go Arlen – now let's see how you do against Tom Ridge.

How does it feel being demoted by the Democrats Arlen? From senior senator to junior......Ha! KARMA IS A BIATCH!

Disappointing judgment. I guess the Senate eats its own. They just turned their back on one of the finest Senators we have (D or R). He'll do just fine without their old boys club mentality on seniority. Best wishes and health for Arlen.

Sounds totally unfair. He has seniority and he should keep it. Who cares what party you're in, you are trying to do what is best for America. We should do away with parties altogether. Let their words and deeds define their politics, not a party label.

I am very glad to see him switch parties. But it's only because his political greed and everyone knows this even if he says otherwise. I only wish he would GROW A BACK BONE and support the party he's now committed that will probably help him win re-election. And STOP being wishy, washy, about his LOYALTY to the President. You either in OR YOU'RE NOT. And if you're going to reap the benefits of being a DOMOCRAT now and not vote accordingly with Mr. OBAMA and support his agenda to make the lives of Americans and this country very prominent again. He should switch back to the GOP cause they don't want the same.

Arlen, you deserve what you get from the Democrats!

The Senator made a wise political decision....THEY are all politicans democrats or republicans....I do believe that Senator Specter is more in line with the dems than the right wing wacko's....he will do a fine job....

Turnabout is fair play, Arlen. The republicans can't stand you and the democrats don't trust you... and both are completely justified in their beliefs.

Maybe Specter shouldn't have shot off his mouth about not being a "loyal Democrat," about wanting Republican Norm Coleman to be seated from Minnesota, and about not supporting health care reform or organized labor. Time for a Democratic primary challenger.

The problem today is too many people are willing to follow the party mantra. We need leaders who speak for the people in their districts. I am going to vote for the person who stands up for my beliefs regardless of party affiliation. I will not vote for a politician who is out for a job rather than representing the voter. Spector is supposed to be looking out for the interest of PA not the interest of the Democratic or Republican parties or himself.

Welcome aboard Specter, welcome from the people of change. Republicans please grow up.

Specter has a reputation as a straight dealer in the Senate. While I'm not a big supporter of some of his stances, he does espouse a moderate viewpoint, something which is no longer welcome in the GOP.

Many are forgetting that he started out a moderate Democrat, at a time when there weren't many of the them, and switched parties to Reagan's Big Tent GOP, where he became the voice of moderation there.

Yes, he wants to be re-elected. He has served his constituency well by reflecting their needs and wants, which is his job. Considering the enormous number of registered Republicans in Pennsylvania that have switched to the Democratic Party, and the fact that the NRC was going to support a more "conservative" party hack in the primary rather than back him, I don't blame him at all for switching affliations.

Specter Pa will vote For a real Democrat!

The arrogance with which he switched had an overpowering stench. I thought he was a better man. I should have looked more deeply into his past "disciplined" actions-i.e., looking out for himself. Never a loyal Republican, never a loyal Democrat, never....

I do wish him continued recovery after his bout with cancer, and truly think he should take the rest of his time for his family.

This shows how petty the Republican party is to the people.

Joe Sestak for US Senate! I like Specter, but as a practical matter he's already said he's not going to be a loyal Democrat (in so many words.) His seniority was the only thing he had left and now that's gone so it doesn't make sense to support him in a democratic primary.

The Party,the party.Both parties suck and are controlled by the Federal Reserve,a giant private bank with hidden owners.

Serves him right for being the snake that he is. He leaves the Dems to join the Repubs and then leaves them to join the Dems. Why would either party ever trust a snake like that is beyond me.

I guess Arlen is going to have to work his way back up in the ranks.

I can't believe someone actually used the word "integrity" and Specter in the same sentence. He would have been a loser in the election no matter what party he ran under.

Actually, his changing parties is a sign of how little integrity Specter really has. He switched sides because he thought he would have an easier time getting re-elected, not thinking how this would impact his state. So PA suffers for his selfishness. Living in PA myself, I am glad that he is being punished for putting himself ahead of my state. Hopefully Tom Ridge will now run for the seat, as he has a proven track record of delivering for Pennsylvania.

As one who was born and raised in the Keystone state all I can say is it couldn't happen to a better guy. He betrayed his party (parties) twice and now he's just another useless senator milking the taxpayer everytime he collects a pay check. Then again that pars him with 99% of those in Congress.

A Man without and Island.

He desreves this. This is the start of his end.

The Dems will use him and toss him aside just like they have so many others. How could he be so stupid? He had to know this was coming – he is a politican.

So much for screwing a good senator with a conscience.

I switched from Democrat to Independent last year before the election. I am glad I did.

I was also a long-termer, having voted Democratic since JFK.

I wonder why Spector didn't go Independent like Lieberman.......

It is unfortunate that Spector wasn't advised before he changed parties of the consequences.

It is not illegal or immoral or unethical to change political parties. It is our right as Americans, and I am tired of all the negativity about this subject.

Hopefully he loses his seniority in his pension calculations as well.

Hell hath no fury like a political party scorned!!!

I'm sure they would do more to him if they could. They could have taken the HIGH ROAD like the Democratic party did with Leiberman, but the Republicans are the party of NO and vindictive one and all!!

And Specter DOES care about America... it's the Republicans who don' and can only think of 'Party First'... hence, their actions with Specter.

I can't wait to see who leaves their party next... and will the last one who leaves please turn off the lights!! hahaha

Spector was a democrat before he switched to be a republican. he is not a back stabber. he is what he is,

You right-wingers used to critcize us lefties for all the cry-babying. Now, it's your turn to cry.

OBAMA NATION RULES!!

As much as I want to beleive him, I trust him not further than I trust Liebermann, perhaps a bit less so. Any mind capable of staying with a party based on what the Republican party has become, is not a mind I want making laws.

He doesn't care about America or the American people he is "suppose" to represent. He only cares about himself. I say vote him out.

way to go dems – they need to run a strong challenger against him in the primaries. America is not served by have one more self absorbed turd in the Senate

Retire specter, your time has passed.

Serves Sen Specter right for claiming to NOT be a loyal Democrat or loyal to Obama in the Senate!!!

Obama – Biden 2012

I don't see how he's being "dissed". That's how it works. As a Democrat, he's now a junior senator.

Good luck winning that primary, Arlen!!

Specter was obvious about his political intent for the switch. Had he genuinely "joined" the ranks of democrats, the red carpet probably wouldn't have been covered in ice.

Yeah, you Republicans are right to rant and wail about the backstabber and how he deserves what he gets for turning his back on his party! Just like you must be mad as hell that Reagan went Republican from being a Democrat way back when! You must _hate_ that guy! Oh, wait...

While I do not like Specter changing his party affiliation he has that right. His assesment of thr Republican party is correct. It has moved way to far to the Rush right to suit me. Bu the neocons think that Specters jumping ship shows disloyalty and some are even referring to him as a traitor, let me remind them that Ronald Reagan, their boy, started out as a Democrat. Was this kind of treatment directed at him when he changed parties? No. That's the difference between todays parties. When republicans refer to liberals as mean and vindivtive, they need only look in the mirror to see such aperson.

Uhoh- did you say Specter has integrity? HAH! The only principle he lives by is the "save my job" principle.

good news. he showed his position on his first vote after the switch he is still voting republican

Politics at its "best!" It doesn't matter how long you have been there, it only matters how long you have been kissing somebody's butt!

I have no sympathy. He didn't switch parties for integrity or for overriding noble reasons. He switched parties because he was going to lose the primary and wanted to stay in power. He is the worst kind of politician.

He didn't change parties because of his integrity, he changed for what he saw was a hope at winning another term. Hopefully, he's out no matter which party wins.

Wow, you'd think that the Obama administration would take care of its friends. Did anyone in the President's administration discuss this with Harry Reid? Did anyone try to avoid the infighting and backstabbing?

I suppose from Specter's position, being junior most member is better than being no member. Odd position to take for the democrats after the generosity shown to Lieberman. Caesar won the loyalty of many of his former rivals through the generosity he showed them after his victory, but then again, he was murdered on the senate floor.

The Democrats would have been wise to allow Sen. Specter to keep his seniority, if possible. He is a voice of reason among many who spout only party line and do not look for a compromise.

Looks like Benedict Arlen miscalculated the kindness of his newfound friends. Wonder if he will now switch to Independent?

That'll teach him. Instead of losing his seniority and his job by losing the GOP primary to a right-wing nutjob, he loses his seniority but keeps his job by switching parties. Still, its a good deal for him, and the GOP refuses to acknowledge the wake up call of his defection.

I am now 86. 20 years ago I was active in the local FL Democratic executive committee. To be a member you had to affirm that you were a loyal Democrat and that you would not vote out of the party unless there was no Democrat running. Spector would not even be allowed on such a committee. He actually was incensed that someone accused him of being a loyal Democrat. What a hoax.

This was a mistake if the democrats wanted to ensure he wins the next election as their representative. Arlen Specter's influence seniority on committees was the best reason for Pennsylvanians to vote him back into office.

Arlen Specter will be just fine. Call him what you want. A 'backstabber' or whatever. All I care about is that he'll keep Pennsylvania blue, baby!!!

He deserved it, because he did not change parties to keep his intergrity. He did it to keep his seat.

This is good news. It's clear that Specter is only out for protecting his own hide, not what's good for the country or the president. I hope that Obama is not too quick to support Specter in the Democratic primaries either.

Perhaps, in the long run he holds the better hand in this. A man's (or woman's) measure is not by the committee's he's(she's) on...he has a reputation and with that is influence...he is very valuable to the Democracts and they would be fooling themselves to think otherwise.

How childish.

This can't be good for Pennsylvania. poor guy. Changes parties to uphold his integrity, and is punished for it.

just like starting a new job to most folks.... you don't start at the top

that will teach these worms to stay loyal to a party and not be a snake and go which ever way he thinks he can manuever things his way.

In his press conference Specter said he would retain seniority. Looks like he was so anxious to become a Democrat after the polls showing him losing in the primary that he did not make sure he would not lose seniority.

Could this possibly be pay back for jumping from the Democratic party originally about 30 years ago.
Anyway, this is what happens to turncoats. They forever lose the respect of those they left and those they joined.

There was a time when I thought Specter cared about America but in the end he was just a run of the mill selfish liberal Democrat.

At this point it just may not be possible for someone with integrity, decency, morals, values, and common courtesy to win in an ultra blue state. You must identify with the majority to get elected and if you show that you are not an evil, hateful, selfish, dishonest lib, you really don't have a chance.

Back stabbing a back stabber.