Posted on 05/05/2009 8:26:04 PM PDT by Free ThinkerNY
The political whirlwind that surrounded Sen. Arlen Specter ’s switch from the Republican to Democratic party had him forgetting which team he is rooting for in 2010.
But after voicing support for Republican Norm Coleman in his contested Minnesota Senate race, Specter said he misspoke in a New York Times magazine interview and is supporting Democrats.
Specter switched parties April 30 in an effort to hold his Pennsylvania seat for a sixth term in the 2010 election. The move upset fellow Republicans and elated Democrats who edged to a 59-seat majority with two independents in a Senate where 60 senators can cut off debate.
The results of Coleman’s contest with Democrat Al Franken, which are pending in state Supreme Court, will determine whether Democrats reach 60.
Specter was interviewed for a one-page Times magazine feature scheduled to run May 10. Several responses appeared tongue-in-cheek — when asked to keep his answers short and “try not to filibuster” he simply said “sure.”
Asked whether he cared about a shortage of Jewish Republicans in the Senate, Specter replied: “I sure do. There’s still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner.”
But questioned outside the Senate chamber Tuesday, Specter said the comment was a mistake.
“In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates,” he said. “I’m ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I’ve made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke.”
Asked who he’s backing now in elections, Specter said, “I’m looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal.”
If government microregulation hadn’t ruined private medicine, Arlen Specter would not be senile today.
Please. Let me be the first to say, “What an @ss.”
Thanks. I feel much better now. Carry on! :)
Especially pathetic behavior from a 79 year old cancer patient.
They will throw him under the bus in no time at all. lol
The dumb bastard probably forgot which party he was in when he was asked the question.
Specter’s “slip” speaks volumes.. he just views this all as some kind of game... a team game... he has no more qualms about jumping from the Democrat “team” to the Republican “team” than Manny Rodriguez does about jumping from one MLB team to another.
The Senator has obviously lost his marbles. There should be a way that the people can petition for a check on his mental health.
Maybe he’ll start rooting for the Yankees too. LOL!
Yes, who can forget all those volumes of precision in that Not Proven vote during Impeachment. Lying clymer.
I wish I knew how to photoshop a pic of Sen. Sphincter into the shape of a pretzel.
Y’know, when my grandfather was his age, he was dead.
"Let's see, what team am I playing for this week? Oh that's right the Democrats. They're ahead now right? Sure I remember. My old pals Reid and Obama said they would give me a committee chairmanship if I switched teams."
Specter...I joined FR when Tony Snow died. I won’t miss you when you are gone, ‘nothing personal.’
Arlen is a RAT now. All is forgiven - even before it happens.
Cut the man some slack. He's getting a little long in the tooth. He was obviously referring to his stance during the debate on whether or not to grant Minnesota statehood.
He's too old to play!
Diana in Wisconsin, I always like your posts ;)
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