Specter struggles over Alito hearings {Arlen is having an “inner struggle”]

UPI ^ | December 15, 2005 | --

[johnny7]

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., says he doesn't know how he will vote at the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is trying to resolve his inner struggle arising from his deeply held political beliefs, his personal ties to Alito and his loyalty to the Republican Party, reports USA Today.

[johnny7]

What a putrid POS!

[Semper Paratus]

Great! Now the 'rats think they can sink him in committee.

[Madeleine Ward]

He's either qualified or he's not, Senator.

What's the inner struggle?

[yobid]

Maybe he take some meds for that?

[TChris]

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is trying to resolve his inner struggle arising from his deeply held -- liberal -- political beliefs, his -- disposable -- personal ties to Alito and his -- imaginary -- loyalty to the Republican Party, reports USA Today.

[Obadiah]

It's the PRESIDENT's pick, not yours! Oh that this tortured soul were removed from office.

[r9etb]

All about abortion. It's amazing how much political energy is wrapped up in that one issue.

[RTINSC]

Arlen is being metrospective..

[MadeInAmerica]

Inner struggle?

He needs to come out of the closet and admit....he is a MOONBAT in a cheap suit

[caffe]

Why can't he just be REMOVED from the judiciary and I don't care if he jumps parties. He's not doing us any favors as a Republican. Smack the guy!

[blau993]

The worst part about this article is that even if the WAPO is making this up, which is entirely possible, Specter will believe it.

The Administration put itself into this bind by supporting Specter for reelection last year. Not only are they stuck with the ungrateful SOB as Judiciary Committee Chairman, but they even have to hope he remains healthy, or they will have to contend with his replacement, Senator Rendell.

[Frank_Discussion]

Pocket Pool.

[goresalooza]

Bingo! What struggle? Alito is well-qualified. He abides by the letter of the constitution. He was nominated by the POTUS, who represents YOUR party. What's wrong with you, Specter? Rat got your tongue?

It's time to remove Specter from the judiciary committee. Can't someone do something about this POS?

[b4its2late]

Specter needs a swift kick in his sphincter.

[johnny7]

If he dies... does Rendell pick his successor?

[goresalooza]

Good question...but hopefully Lynn Swann will beat Rendell this coming year. LOL.

[Antoninus]

This is all political posturing. In the end, it will come down to whether his vote is needed or not. If there are over 51 votes, Arlen will vote against. If his vote is required to put Alito over the top, I think the president can count on getting it.

[Alberta's Child]

Men of principle don't have "inner struggles" over situations like this.

[lugsoul]

"It's the PRESIDENT's pick, not yours!"

Yeah, so was Harry...

[SDGOP]

Sigh, snarlin arlen is about to strike again.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

Men of principle don't have "inner struggles" over situations like this.

Cowards do!

[Old Seadog]

Spector is a clown.

[joylyn]

Specter could defend Ira Einhorn, who killed his girlfriend and kept her body in his closet. He doesn't trust Alito, though.

[Polyxene]

If I hear one more RINO spout that they are trying to "resolve their inner struggles" about one thing or another or one nominee or another, or anything else President Bush does or says, I am going to SCREAM or puke or both!!!
(Woe to you, President Bush for backing this back-stabbing piece of senate excrement!!)

[jla]

"Relax folks!
This all part of Karl the genius Rove's grand strateregy"
~chuckle~

[Malesherbes]

According to the principles of Scottish law, Alito should be confirmed. So, Arlen, shut up and vote.

[Hank Rearden]

It's the PRESIDENT's pick, not yours! Oh that this tortured soul were removed from office.

Our Big-Government President wanted him there.

[zip]

Let's quit pretending that he's a Republican. He is left of ted the swimmer.

[lilylangtree]

He's carried the demoncRATS for so long that the only thing he's conflicted about is how to vote against Alito and still keep his chairmanship.

[popdonnelly]

"Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., says he doesn't know how he will vote at the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito."

Wake up, Arlen! There's a reason people vote for Republicans. And it ain't because they're like Democrats.

[johnny7]

The seven RINO's are doing their best to save the rotting, Democrat party.

[nickcarraway]

If he doesn't know, that's a signal to Democrats to go for the kill.

[okie01]

In the end, it will come down to whether his vote is needed or not. If there are over 51 votes, Arlen will vote against. If his vote is required to put Alito over the top, I think the president can count on getting it.

As you point out, Specter's vote to confirm Alito on the floor won't mean much -- it will be driven by politics.

However, his vote is likely to make a profound difference on two other occasions:

1. In the Judiciary Committee, where a Specter vote of "Nay" would result in rejection (since the Democrats will all vote "Nay").

2. In the event of a "nuclear option" -- if the Democrats try to mount a filibuster, Frist will Specter's vote to get the 51 necessary to close debate.

In the case you cite, I'm confident Specter will vote as you suggest. But I've no confidence in his vote on the other two occasions.

[Antoninus]

In the case you cite, I'm confident Specter will vote as you suggest. But I've no confidence in his vote on the other two occasions.

In the first case, I think you get Specter's vote out of committee. He would be tarred and feathered if he voted down on Alito out of committee and it would be a politically dumb move.

In the other instance, I agree. Specter would claim that he's upholding the rules of the Senate. There's enough cover for him in that case--unless, again, he's the 41st vote.