What deal was cut?
By Carl
Undoubtedly by now, you've read about Arlen Specter's decision to switch parties, thus all but ensuring Barack Obama and the Democrats the veto-proof majority they require.
These decisions are rarely made in a vacuum or all alone. I would imagine that Ted Kennedy will be revealed as one of the impellers of this choice.
Choices like this in politics are never made without quid pro quo or at least tit for tat. Presumably Specter will be handed a plum committee job, or has a signal piece of legislation in the hopper that will get fast-tracked.
It's clear that he, along with Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, were operating as unwelcome cankers on the lips of the GOP caucus. It would not surprise me if they bolted as well if they are presented with serious primary challengers as Specter was.
In fact, I'd put a small wager on Collins bolting soon.
Time will tell what price the Democrats paid to have Specter on board, guaranteeing a hegemonic authority for at least the next eighteen months.
Speculation, anyone?
Undoubtedly by now, you've read about Arlen Specter's decision to switch parties, thus all but ensuring Barack Obama and the Democrats the veto-proof majority they require.
These decisions are rarely made in a vacuum or all alone. I would imagine that Ted Kennedy will be revealed as one of the impellers of this choice.
Choices like this in politics are never made without quid pro quo or at least tit for tat. Presumably Specter will be handed a plum committee job, or has a signal piece of legislation in the hopper that will get fast-tracked.
It's clear that he, along with Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, were operating as unwelcome cankers on the lips of the GOP caucus. It would not surprise me if they bolted as well if they are presented with serious primary challengers as Specter was.
In fact, I'd put a small wager on Collins bolting soon.
Time will tell what price the Democrats paid to have Specter on board, guaranteeing a hegemonic authority for at least the next eighteen months.
Speculation, anyone?
Labels: Arlen Specter, Democrats
posted by Carl at
1:30 PM
1 Comments:
I suspect there's a decent chance Collins and Snowe could switch. What's pretty clear, though, is that Specter did this solely for personal political reasons -- that is, for self-preservation.
By
Michael J.W. Stickings, at 11:57 PM
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