Hate to see it

Post #307,940 by jay 4/28/09 1:23:06 PM Reply	Hate to see it Spector is probably telling the truth when he says his politics align with the Democrats more then the Republicans now. But I hate to see a politician change sides while in office. And it's all the worse because it is an obvious political decision, with both PA and the country tending Democrat, his chances of reelection are better on that side of the fence and he will get a powerful seat chairmanship again. http://www.suntimes....ch-042809.article Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said in a statement: ÂSome in the Republican Party are happy about this. I am not. LetÂs be honest: Senator Specter didnÂt leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record. Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats donÂt do it first.Â Wow, talk about burning bridges. Jay
Post #307,946 by drook 4/28/09 1:48:07 PM Reply	Nit "due to his left-wing voting record" So you agree that his personal beliefs line up better with the Democrats? Just wanted to clear that up. ("You" refers to Michael Steele, not you Jay.) -- Drew
Post #307,947 by boxley 4/28/09 1:50:18 PM Reply	of course he is, he doesnt pander to the whackjobs that makes him leftists doesnt it?
Post #308,062 by mhuber 4/30/09 11:31:00 AM Reply	How it's supposed to work The guy's switched to a party more in line with his own positions, and the move is likely to benefit him politically. I'd say that's not so much "OK, which is it?" as "hey, the system sometimes works". That's how a robust human system works - playing it straight is usually advantageous. OK, there are side details that amplify the effect in this case. But for the most part, belonging to the party you agree with most should be good political move.
Post #308,064 by beepster 4/30/09 11:41:29 AM Reply	Thats the real question, isn't it? Did he switch for his beliefs, or not. My position is ... not http://www.latimes.c...9,0,1532737.story There's alot of skeptics out there besides me. I will choose a path that's clear. I will choose freewill.
Post #308,071 by jay 4/30/09 12:43:20 PM Reply	Re: How it's supposed to work The guy's switched to a party more in line with his own positions, and the move is likely to benefit him politically. Except there is essentially nobody that believes that. He made a move that was politically expedient, and it is just an amusing coincidence that it happens to put him a party he agrees with more. And ideally, a sitting official shouldn't switch party anyways. Part of what the people voted for is the party they favor, not just the specific candidate. If the party line gets too far from your beliefs, then wait it out and don't run again. After you are out of office, you can switch parties and run for the other side. If they will have you. There is a good chance the Democrats would turn Spector down if he wasn't already holding office. But the political advantages of getting another seat make the Democrats willing to hold their noses. Jay
Post #308,099 by mhuber 4/30/09 11:31:22 PM Reply	When the system works, motivation doesn't matter In a system that works, noble sentiments and crass self-interest lead to the same actions.

Welcome to IWETHEY!