Specter: Democratic leader promised me seniority - "pushback" from other Democratic Sens.

[jefferson_dem]

Specter: Democratic leader promised me seniority
Posted: 12:52 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Democratic leader in the Senate promised Sen. Arlen Specter he would retain his seniority when he jumped from the Republican to the Democratic party, Specter told CNN Wednesday, but faced "pushback" from other Democratic senators.

On Tuesday the Senate confirmed that Specter had lost his seniority in a resolution that set out committee assignments for the entire Senate. The resolution was approved on a unanimous voice vote.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/06/specter-democratic-leader-promised-me-seniority/

[global1]

1. Oooops!!!!!! .......nt

[AndyA]

2. Arlen, haven't you figured out by now that Reid has no gonads?

I'm not sure who's holding onto them now, but someone else is putting the squeeze on Reid. He doesn't think for himself, and hasn't for a long time. To call him a leader is truly pathetic.

You should have known better, the two of you are cut from the same cloth, it would seem. Which way is the wind blowing now, Arlen?

[ClarkUSA]

25. Reid denies he ever promised such a thing today. We have only Spector's word on it.

Not sure how much that's worth.

[Cha]

3. I knew there were two

conflicting reports on Arlen's positioning. Maybe he'll jump back?

[SteelPenguin]

6. Nah

He switched to Dem for no other reason that it'd be easier for him to get reelected. He won't switch back now as it doesn't solve his original problem which was that no matter what he'd lose his primary.

All he'll do is become a complete obstructionist. No votes for Cloture on anything. No support for any Dem measures.

Remember he's in this for himself, not anyone else.

[Cha]

17. I was playing but now Arlen is

stuck.

[polichick]

4. Sorry Specter - first you're loyal, then you're not. Can't expect favors.

[NC_Nurse]

5. Maybe saying you wouldn't be a loyal Dem was not too bright, Arlen.

[Occam Bandage]

10. Nor was saying he wanted the courts to appoint Coleman the winner over Franken.

Nor was saying he'd vote against EFCA, Dawn Johnson, and pretty much everything else the Dems were planning on doing in the next month. Don't tack to the right after you join the party on the left and then expect them to thank you for it.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

18. I wonder if Arlen understands loyalty?

He made it sound as though he was expected to be a lemming for the Democratic Party if he switched. Loyalty doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with somebody (or a party) 100% of the time no matter what but if he's going to be a Democrat, he should at least act like one most of the time. Instead, just in the past week since he "switched", he's made it clear that he won't change his mind about EFCA- even though there'd be absolutely NO repercussions for him now if he did (but there is going to be plenty if he doesn't), he voted against Obama's budget, he came out against a public option for health care reform, and then, finally, he stated that he thinks Norm Coleman should be seated in Minnesota (he did "walk" this last thing back but still......). IMHO it would've been better off for us if he switched to "Independent". It would at least make him seem intellectually honest and not make us think that he's going to act like a Democrat when he really doesn't seem inclined to do so. But now, we're apparently stuck with him and he's stuck with us unless he gets primaried next year and if he doesn't act like more of a "loyal Democrat" between now and next year, then Obama, Reid, and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party had better make darned sure he gets primaried.

[havocmom]

7. any doubts he will call Obama out for not supporting him next?

The DEMs err when they think GOP pols like Specter would be fair. Specter erred when the thought DEMs walked in lock step and followed orders like GOP flunkies.

Comedy of errs ;)

[Occam Bandage]

8. If you ain't gonna help the party, why should the party help you?

It's quid-pro-quo, not quid-pro-nihil.

[ej510]

11. This is a good start now primary the mutha fucka!

[avaistheone1]

9. Oh yeah, we want Arlen leading committees shaping a Democratic vision on issues.

NOT!

[Mojambo]

12. The guy's been in the Senate 29 years.

You'd think he'd know that Reid was making a promise he had absolutely ZERO power to keep.

[spanone]

13. maybe arlen will go libertarian or independent....go on arlen, make my day

[Occam Bandage]

14. He'll be a Whig by next Thursday,

[Phx_Dem]

22. ROLF. Assuming the Whig's would have him.

[depakid]

15. This whole deal is very sad

Both Reid and Specter need to step aside.

[DebbieCDC]

16. GOOD

Finally Dems showing some spine against that worthless POS "leader" we have in the senate

[Supersedeas]

19. does this look like it could blow up in Harry Reid's face?

[Phx_Dem]

20. He thought he had his seniority all sewed up so he could then turn around

and belittle Democrats and their platform every day with no consequences. Surprise Arlen, you thought wrong.

[gkhouston]

21. You could always switch back, Arlen. Be sure to tell us, because we won't know otherwise. n/t

[Occam Bandage]

23. A conservative friend of mine told me,

"I'm glad he switched parties. Maybe now he'll be a Republican." I'm sure she's not disappointed by what she's seen from him so far.

[mgcgulfcoast]

24. too bad we didnt let toomey defeat him

[OneGrassRoot]

26. Maybe Specter will be so pissed and frustrated that he'll.....

just start doing the RIGHT THING, political games aside, and start telling the truth and exposing the widespread corruption.

He's pissed at both sides, so it won't exactly be partisan poutrage. It'll be governmental outrage by an insider.

Highly unlikely, I know, but maybe he'll get so tired of the games that he'll see the light.

He can call Seymour Hersh and get some things on the record.

;)