Report: Specter trying to change rules to make GOP Senate race an open primary
posted at 5:25 pm on March 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
Via DrewM at Ace’s site. The last time I posted about this, I thought Specter could play Joe Lieberman to Pat Toomey’s Ned Lamont by losing the GOP primary and then winning the general election as an independent. Not so; turns out Pennsylvania law prohibits independent runs by candidates who compete in and lose a primary. So he’s either got to run as a Republican and beat Toomey or duck the showdown by going indie now.
Or maybe there’s a third way.
In recent days, Specter has quietly lobbied Republicans who control the state Senate to support a proposal that would allow independents to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary. He has called individual senators and spoke before the entire caucus – on that and other subjects – earlier this week.
One senator who attended the caucus said it was tough sell.
“It was apparent that he wanted the support” of the caucus, said Sen. John H. Eichelberger, R-Blair, who supports Toomey. “I could tell from the looks in the room and the comments that were made that there wasn’t much support for it.”
So brutal are the poll numbers for Specter among Pennsylvania Republicans that I can’t see how he stands a chance against Toomey, especially considering that plenty of disaffected centrist GOPers have doubtless left the party over the past few years. He’ll have to switch; the only question is, to what? If he goes Democrat, he’ll enjoy some DNC money but also risk a voter backlash as someone who can’t be trusted. If he goes independent, he faces a three-way race — which may or may not be to his advantage, depending upon how far left the Democratic candidate is. Plus, if he wins as an indie, he’s unlikely to lose his seniority on GOP committees given how long he’s been there and how desperate the party is for influence. Exit question: What’s a well-funded RINO incumbent to do?
Blowback
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Doomed.
portlandon on March 23, 2009 at 5:26 PM
This cat needs brain surgery.
Oh wait…..
jake-the-goose on March 23, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Irrefutable proof that Specter is a Liberal. Change the rules.
carbon_footprint on March 23, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Now is when Steele should be piping up, that’s what his job is about. I guess we’ll see if there’s a leader at the NRC.
lowandslow on March 23, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Open primary’s gave us John McCain. Close all primaries!
ctmom on March 23, 2009 at 5:29 PM
find another profession you chump and stop sucking off the government teat
gatorboy on March 23, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Not one Republican dollar for that man.
jcheney on March 23, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Wanna bet McCain helps him get it done?
jake-the-goose on March 23, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Decide to spend more time with the grandchildren and retire.
myrenovations on March 23, 2009 at 5:30 PM
How do you spell Specter? W-U-S-S-Y (but with a P)
He knows he’s screwed, but he’s desperate to hang onto his power. What a perfect example of the worst of a politician
Defector01 on March 23, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Exit question: What’s a well-funded RINO incumbent to do?
My guess is that Specter is down to two options:
(1) Run as an independent; or
(2) Run as a Democrat.
I don’t see any way he successfully runs as a Republican this time around.
The only way I think Specter would run as a Democrat is if he cut a deal with the party to allow him to get some kind of committee chairmanship or something important in exchange for him switching over. But if I’m Dingy Harry, why do I cut that kind of deal with him? What do I care? There is no realistic way the Senate could fall into realistic hands any time before 2012; the math just doesn’t work out. So that one seat doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.
Outlander on March 23, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Hell hath no fury like a Republican scorned….wait for it Mr Specter.
christene on March 23, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Why would there be? He’s stabbed his fellow Republicans in the back at every opportunity — and now he expects them to do him a favor?
Reap what you sow, Benedict Arlen.
AZCoyote on March 23, 2009 at 5:33 PM
But he’s doing this for the American people you see….
katy on March 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Missouri’s had open primaries for years. I have no problem with ‘em.
Repurblican on March 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
heh Sen. Eichelberger is from my district. I’ll be calling him tomorrow.
becki51758 on March 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Apparently Michael Steele is too busy taking NEA money
William Amos on March 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I do find it overly self-serving, though, that Specter wants to change his system. Either system works. Missouri’s works fine. But if Specter is trying to change the rules going into an election year, I’m unimpressed.
Repurblican on March 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Hey, BTW Steele are you fixing the primaries to ONLY allow republicans to vote in republican primaries?
jencab on March 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Arlen knows he can’t win as an independent the way Lieberman can. Lieberman was liked and respected. Arlen knows he’s no Lieberman.
Arlen just loves being courted by the Dmes for the 60th vote. They stroke his ego, give him his pork, etc. If he flipped to Dem, he’d just be one of 60.
I’d guess the PA GOP leaves the primary closed and tells Arlen to take his case to the party in 2010.
Wethal on March 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Because the Republicans in the state Senate of Pennsylvania owe McCain for . . . what, exactly?
AZCoyote on March 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
He just wants to stay in the club, where a bunch of old men who have absolutely no idea what damage they have done to the country…………..
……….. sit around a room, and call each other Senator.
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 5:37 PM
The bum knows he’s lost his own party so he has to turn to independents and Democrats to win another Republican primary.
rplat on March 23, 2009 at 5:38 PM
If Specter doesn’t get the primary process changed, the economy could collapse.
Bishop on March 23, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Closed primaries, definitely. Not registered for that party? No one to vote for? Too bad.
Either register with a party or wait until the general elections.
In other words, $hit or get off the pot, Independents.
Dr. ZhivBlago on March 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
And the Duck Comes down with the Magic Word, and that word is:
Luksik.
Specter’s new Magic Bullet.
profitsbeard on March 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
The guy is a boob. All States need to close their primaries. No one is mentioning that all these liberals from the NE that have ruined those states are fanning out to red states because they can’t afford to live in NY, NJ, PA, etc. It’s an invasion. Then they will come to our States that are well run with low taxes and start ruining them. Geez, they are like termites. Out… Dodd, Specter for now and the list is growing. Crist of Florida needs to go next. Buck up Pennsylvania – be a trailblazer and start the pushback. Murtha needs to be in a huge orange jumpsuit.
suzyk on March 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I agree. Only problem is that by breaking the filibuster on Porkulus, he cost the Republicans dearly, and he will now be forced to suffer the consequences of his treachery to the party and to the nation. Ideological purity is more important for the Republicans right now than raw numbers. It’s worth losing the seat to a Democrat.
Outlander on March 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Spector might as well face the fact he will not win the primary. His career is over. Everyone in Pa is pi$$ed at him and want him gone…well, central Pa anyway.
becki51758 on March 23, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Better NEA than TARP funds, Follow the Bailout Cash
msmveritas on March 23, 2009 at 5:41 PM
What a lame pitch to the GOP in the PA senate this was: change the rules so I can win. If he thinks Toomey can’t win a general, then that’s an argument for the primary.
PA has an open seat for governor in 2010, and the current AG is planning on running. A good solid GOP ticket would bring out the party.
Taking back the governor’s mansion (and maybe even the House) would be great in a census year, when there will be reapportionment. Also for getting voter ID and med mal reform passed.
Wethal on March 23, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Exactly! All this attempt proves is that open primaries = RINO candidates! CLOSE THE PRIMARIES MR. STEELE!
Rogue on March 23, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Exit question: What’s a well-funded RINO incumbent to do?
Resign or commit suicide.
Don Carne on March 23, 2009 at 5:44 PM
And how’s your state doing btw? I’m from Missouri, btw…currently live in Kansas true but born and bred in Missouri. Let’s see…Democrat Governor, McCaskill and with Bond retiring your facing the very likely possiblity of a second generation of Senator Carnahan. Yeah, those open primaries are workin real well…
Rogue on March 23, 2009 at 5:45 PM
He’s almost 80 years old and has been in the senate for 29 years. Why do these guys think their seat is a life time position?
Blake on March 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM
W-U-P-P-Y? I don’t get it…
right2bright on March 23, 2009 at 5:47 PM
He’s almost 80 years old and has been in the senate for 29 years. Why do these guys think their seat is a life time position?
Blake on March 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM
The never-ending stream of Kennedy’s infesting Congress say “Shut yer yap!”
Bishop on March 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Yes. See: Byrd, Robert; and Thurmond, Strom.
Wethal on March 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
That tumor dropped his IQ 40 points, but you can’t tumor out the huge egos of these “look at me” power-hungry freaks.
marklmail on March 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Exactly, every election each candidate should be held accountable…they never held Arlen accountable…either you are a Republican, or you’re not. It can’t be “I’m a Republican? for 3 months every few years.
right2bright on March 23, 2009 at 5:50 PM
The unmitigated gall of career politicians never ceases to amaze me.
UltimateBob on March 23, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Those morons in the 12th district keep re-electing Murtha. grr Maybe he’ll get indicted and be kicked out of office. Im crossing my fingers!
As for Spector, he has lost support in quite a few central Pa communities…the ones who arent seeing any stimulus money. The other good news is Rendell cant run for another term!! yea!
becki51758 on March 23, 2009 at 5:52 PM
That decision isn’t Michael Steele’s to make; that decision is made by state legislatures, as was made clear by the article that AP linked to. (It was also clear in the quote AP excerpted.)
paul006 on March 23, 2009 at 5:52 PM
I hope all are looking at the ‘rino’s’ up for re-election and give them their due process. God help our Republic from the d’s and rino’s!
L
letget on March 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Lilly- livered …. he know’s his goose is cooked…..
CynicalOptimist on March 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Mavericky.
getalife on March 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM
The unmitigated gall of career politicians never ceases to amaze me.
UltimateBob on March 23, 2009 at 5:51 PM
To be honest, it’s the pols with the mitigated gall you really need to watch; those guys are evil.
Bishop on March 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Just register Democrat, Specterass, you’re acting just like one.
SerenityFL on March 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Commonly known as “Lilly-Foie Gras”
right2bright on March 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Up until three years ago we had two GOP Senators and a GOP governor, using the open primary system.
Repurblican on March 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Appear on Fox News?
unwashed minion on March 23, 2009 at 5:57 PM
I am sure all the stimulus money is in Philly or possibly Comcast SportsNet so the gov can have a full time gig as a sports commentator when his time is up. Specter is done in 10. I will never vote for him again.
msmveritas on March 23, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Retire, and donate the campaign stash to the Treasury, as a modest payment toward the bloated ‘Stimulus’ budget he signed, and by doing so screwed us and future generations.
Or, as a cancer survivor, perhaps he could donate it to some cancer foundation since these groups will be particularly needy if Barry manages to take away the charitable deduction for the so-called “rich”.
Buy Danish on March 23, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Toodle-oo, Benedict Arlen. I’ll be donating to Toomey again.
OhioCoastie on March 23, 2009 at 6:05 PM
I read that its in Philly, Pittsburgh and Erie. St’ College got too. All cities that have plenty of jobs. I think they are liberal cities, as well.
Meanwhile in central Pa stores are closing, having layoffs, factories closing. hmm..perhaps because this region votes Republican?
becki51758 on March 23, 2009 at 6:07 PM
The Cemetery is full of men who thought they were indispensable- just leave Arlen, you’re a joke.
jjshaka on March 23, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Lose.
He has seen the handwriting on the wall. He knows he has been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Getting Specter out of the Senate would be better than Daschle losing.
INC on March 23, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Say hello to Senator [whatever Democrat runs].
Pat Toomey has zero chance of being elected.
rockmom on March 23, 2009 at 6:09 PM
I’d say he’d do well to run as an independent, if he’s in a position to split the support of both parties while each other candidate only gets to split the support of 1, he wins if he gets more than 1/3 of each. Plus being officially independent gives him more freedom to play the median voter, if he becomes a Democrat they’ll be a lot more inclined to smack him around than we are at the elite levels, cause they’ve got more lined up behind him.
I mean, I could see them offering him some pretty good stuff, but nothing more than he could take as the swing vote.
galenrox on March 23, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Three years is a long time in politics. Open primaries = Another McAmnesty or Benedict Arlen
Rogue on March 23, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Why?
Wethal on March 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
As a Pennsylvania voter, I couldn’t agree more.
The time to make some noise over at PA GOP HQ is now!
We don’t need no stinkin’ open primaries. They are how we get stuck with RINOs like McCain.
jay12 on March 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Absolutely hilarious!
UltimateBob on March 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Close the primaries. An open primary allows “strategic voting” for the weakest opponent. A party’s champion should be someone who enjoys the support of a majority of that party, not a majority of that party plus various passers by.
Fred 2 on March 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Specter is the new David Duke of the Republican party – there always has to be one embarrassment.
HondaV65 on March 23, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Well, imagine that.
All these Republican state Senators are going to have to get the support of Republican voters the next time they run in primaries and for re-election.
What in the hell is Specter offering them in return for losing the support of their base? His endorsement? I don’t know exactly how much that’s worth right now, but I’m damned sure it ain’t worth that!
logis on March 23, 2009 at 6:18 PM
I’ve never even lived in PA, but what I seen Specter do over the years to the entire country has been enough!
INC on March 23, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Well at least you’re in the sane part of the state. Actually I am in a pocket in Bucks County that votes mostly Republican, it’s been squishy. We haven’t seen a dime.
I think Specter has no chance no matter how he runs. Dems don’t want him either. PA has elected conservatives and I am not hearing any superstar Dems planning a run. Anyone has a better chance than Specter.
msmveritas on March 23, 2009 at 6:20 PM
This guy should be ashamed! He is a perversion to the original intent of a U.S. Senator. (But then so may are nowadays.) C’mon PA GOP. Do the right thing! Fire this guy.
Christian Conservative on March 23, 2009 at 6:20 PM
No matter what he does, Pat Toomey is the man who will get my money and my vote. For decades Mr. Specter goes to Washington and acts like a democrap for 5 years then as a republican for 1. Personally, I’ve had enough of this eastern PA RINO. I will do whatever is needed to get Toomey elected.
Zorro on March 23, 2009 at 6:23 PM
thomasaur on March 23, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Open primaries are idiotic. What’s the point of having political parties if anyone regardless of party affiliation can vote in any primary? And that goes with registering as a Republican 5 minutes before the primary too.
You should have to have at least a 90 day waiting period between registration and being allowed to vote. Otherwise you get a whole lot of Operation Chaos situations out there.
angryed on March 23, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Michael Steele should send him a gold watch and cab fare home.
meci on March 23, 2009 at 6:27 PM
Snort. Since he beat Toomey last time, I’d just assumed the primary was open already.
funky chicken on March 23, 2009 at 6:28 PM
“Exit question: What’s a well-funded RINO incumbent to do?”
Didn’t Senator Grassely have a solution the other day?
GarandFan on March 23, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Specter had Bush’s and Santorum’s endorsements last time. He won’t have either this time.
Specter’s only hope in the primary is getting the state GOP to open it or to have the Dems do an Operation Chaos (which they’ve already offered, apaprently). The Dems would have to re-register as GOP before the primary to vote.
Wethal on March 23, 2009 at 6:32 PM
What does a liberal do when they can’t win by the rules…change the rules. This is a desperate attempt by a liberal has-been to keep his power. I wonder what he tells his grandchildren about what he’s done to this country?
orlandocajun on March 23, 2009 at 6:32 PM
We have them in Tennessee as well and that’s okay, but Spector is trying to change the rules now only to help himself. That’s the problem here.
He made his bed, let him lay in it.
ladyingray on March 23, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Wasn’t Specter also the bad guy in the James Bond flicks?
Johan Klaus on March 23, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I heard Toomey speak at our county GOP fundraiser in western PA last week. The man is a fiscal conservative with common sense. One could not ask for a more sterling character.
I voted for him in the last primary when he ran against Specter, who ultimately took Dem monetary support because he was way behind in the fundraising.
Let’s get behind Pat Toomey. We need people like him in the Senate.
onlineanalyst on March 23, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I can see the headlines now – Toomey removes Tumor!
marklmail on March 23, 2009 at 6:49 PM
We were way wrong. We should have figured they would hand Wall Street a cream puff deal they would gorge. Oh well, they seem to have missed the news that interest rates are rising anyway which will put a damper on refi’s and home sales. I wouldn’t exactly hang the mission accomplished sign yet.
msmveritas on March 23, 2009 at 6:50 PM
I bet Hillary wishes all primaries were closed, too.
ladyingray on March 23, 2009 at 6:50 PM
When rhe RNC called me on Saturday, I made sure they understood that there was NO more cash coming their way until I saw Steele grow a pair and stand up to these Rino losers. I actually felt a little sorry for the caller as she wearily told me that she’d been hearing that for weeks, and that the “message” was being forwarded, but……
anniekc on March 23, 2009 at 6:53 PM
“What’s a well-funded RINO incumbent to do?”
Follow Sen. Grassley’s advice for AIG bonus recipients?
peterargus on March 23, 2009 at 6:54 PM
If you can’t win, change the rules. Notice how Lieberman was standing behind Specter in the photo?
Never mind Toomey in the primary. This might be the perfect chance for Rick Santorum to make a comeback. He was one of our best Senators, from the wrong state. The Dems don’t have a do-nothing son-of-a-Guv with a famous name (Casey) this time around, unless Fast Eddie Rendell gets into the race. If Specter runs as an indie, Santorum and the Democrat could put the squeeze on him, and Santorum would probably benefit from a three-way race.
Steve Z on March 23, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Not one more dollar from this old broad until Steel grows a pair.
Knucklehead on March 23, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Yeah, this is why it was so crucial that we continue to support this guy, him being our sole Republican foothold in the northeast and all… (rolls eyes)
Cylor on March 23, 2009 at 7:08 PM
This open primary is ridiculous. Would NBC allow CBS to decide its fall TV lineup?
kurtzz3 on March 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Whatever you think of Specter personally, one thing I hate the most is when people try to change the voting rules to their advantage.
radiofreevillage on March 23, 2009 at 7:15 PM
One more piece of evidence he is a RINO. Only a dem would change the rules to make it so the win (Al Frankin)
lwssdd on March 23, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Specter will soon become a spectater..
OneConservative on March 23, 2009 at 7:36 PM
How did Santorrum lose his seat?
CCRWM on March 23, 2009 at 7:58 PM
What more do you need to know about this rat. He only works overtime to save his own job. The choice is clear Pat Toomey.
mommasboy on March 23, 2009 at 8:11 PM
I will be working real hard for whom ever runs against this man…This is unbelievable….
vitaatcaritas on March 23, 2009 at 8:21 PM
I agree. To attempt to change the rules at this point makes it appear that he is more concerned about serving his own interests rather than his constituents, whose voice is in their vote. He backed the wrong horse, now he has to live with the results.
gobblemom on March 23, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Pennsylvania home of Murtha. Specter has his seat as long as he runs. Pennsyvania only votes conservatives or honest folks with values out of office.
rsl775 on March 23, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Vast sums of DNC money and a blitz of a nasty media campaign bought with that cash. (That’s how Murtha saved his seat, too.)
The DNC and its union goons have just enough clout in the populated areas. Murtha’s district is gerrymandered ridiculously to ensure that these factors have influence.
onlineanalyst on March 23, 2009 at 9:16 PM
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