There is a new member of the White House's caucus entering today, Arlen Specter. There has been a lot of speculation and talking, having to do with Specter because one sole reason, his recently Republican turned Democrat decision. A lot of people have been asking, is he really a Democrat or how can you just turn into a Democrat after being Republican for so long? Questions have ran through my head as well, but how has the members of the White House responded?
According to published reports Specter got nothing less than a warm welcome when he arrived at the White House this morning. President Obama and V.P Biden were there to greet him "in a high-level show of unity for the newest member of their caucus" the New York Times posted. Specter just so happened to be arriving on President Obama's 100th day of administration. There were other topics talked about this day as well, like when the three of these men worked together before in the Senate, which was not very long ago. It is said that V.P Biden and Specter have been acquaintances for quite some time and have embraced in many talks.
Now back to the question of Specter changing parties. He has been speaking about his reasoning for changing parties especially now that he is running for re-election in his home state. He was quoted saying "“I was unwilling to subject my 29-year-record in the United States Senate to the Pennsylvania Republican electorate.” In this state, because of the last election, many people who were moderate Republicans ended switching over to the Democratic Party. This left the senator in a tough position and it led him to the choice of changing parties. Although this has happened he has said that it does not matter if he is Republican or Democrat, he has always represented Pennsylvania and that is what he is going to continue to do.
1 comment:
I'm really surprised as to the level of anomosity Republicans are showing againts him. Its funny becuase as we've discussed in class Govenors and the like from either side do on ocassion change their status in regards to who they are polling for: Democrat or Republican. Though this normally happens during elections, they dont just up and switch sides.
I wouldnt be surprised if the Republicans from his state do not re-elect him as govenor. Another note: I would assume that they thought he would receive negative responcse from the Democratic party but in reality he was accepted with open arms. Why is that concept so hard to grasp?
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