IMO, people have these fixed perceptions of Spectre and Republicans in general that they cannot admit may be inaccurate at least insofar as current actions would define.
Spectre does not want to take this vote. No secret he wishes there were another option. It is predictable he'd support anyone tying another path that prevented him having to go on record with this vote. He is remembered for his vote on Bork. He did make comments following election that were incredibly petty and just plain stupid.
Since then what has Spectre done that is really so awful? McCain has stated he will vote against. Voinovich betrays his collegues without even giving them notice over Bolton. Hagel continues to hem and haw and play the second coming of John McCain.
What was Spectre done? Despite his distaste for this aspect of the job, he has brought these nominees one by one out of committee. He has controlled that committe in a way Lugar failed to do a couple of weeks ago. He has made a case that the filibuster is unprincipled more strongly than some that are fully onboard.
Spectre owes the President and, imo, of greater significance if the debt he owes Santorum. Maybe I'm too naive but I suspect Spectre is the type of man that pays his debts. Santorum helped him narrowly win that Penn primary. For santorum to stand a fighting chance, his promise that Spectre was essential to this specific fight needs to be proved true. To repay Santorum, Spectre needs to help him win re-election. That is dependant on this vote. I'm leaning towards Spectre being onboard because he will honor that debt.
Murkowski wants to be a Maverick loved by the MSM, but while I would keep an eye on her, I don't believe this is the battle she will try to make a name for herself on. She knows she barely won election thanks to Bush. Bush on the other hand handily won Alaska. Despite her comments, her constituents would not respect her voting no.
Instead of people whining and espousing the same tired rhetoric (not you) I'd much prefer to see everyone on this board spend their time productively in the weekend leading to the vote by contacting every Senator. Multiple times. Stop griping and take action.
Fact check-
The battle begins officially next week.
Frist is committed to up and down votes.
McConnell (who is NOT a liar) has stated he has the necessary votes.
This means the ONLY thing that can prevent victory is a Senator that has promised their vote changing their mind. The enemy is not Frist, Bush, etc. We know where they stand. It's a waste of time to attack those in our camp. Concentrate on those that may think they can survive the backlash of turning against the Party. make them aware they will NOT be forgiven a betrayal on this critical issue.
good post. We really need to flood DC with emails and calls this week, especially to Snowe, Collins, Chafee, Warner, Specter, Hagel, McCain.
All you need to know about Lisa is, she is a fan of Pastor Barry Lynn and People for the American Way.( An Anti-Christian Anti-American organization if there ever was one)