Arlen Specter’s very bad year
posted at 4:35 pm on July 1, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Arlen Specter has had a bad year, hasn’t he? The Senate veteran got a Republican primary challenger in Pat Toomey, who immediately jumped out to a 20-point lead over the incumbent. Specter tried getting the national GOP to push Toomey out of the race, and when that failed, he jumped ship to the Democrats. Specter expected to get a cushy deal that would preserve his seniority, but his new colleagues rejected Harry Reid’s deal with Specter and made the Pennsylvanian a back-bencher. Now, it looks as though Specter will have to fight in a primary anyway:
A congressman from the Philadelphia suburbs will challenge U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter in the Democratic Senate primary.
In an interview with The Wayne Independent Wednesday morning, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa.,confirmed his intention to run against Specter, a long-time Republican who switched to the Democratic party earlier this year.
“I am going to get into the race against Arlen Specter … for senator,” said Sestak[.]
In other words, Specter has cut himself off from all of his traditional sources of power in order to go back to Square One. I know many here at Hot Air will feel his pain (snicker) and sympathize with his plight (guffaw) and deride Democrats for running a legitimate member of their party for the seat rather than a renegade Republican (gut-busting laughter).
Go ahead. Luxuriate in the schadenfreude. You know you want to.
I haven’t seen polling on the Specter-Sestak matchup, but I suspect it will be as unfriendly to Specter as the first primary polling against Toomey was. How long before Specter just announces his retirement?
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loser.
moonbatkiller on July 1, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Good riddance.
I want to see polling on Toomey-Sestak race.
promachus on July 1, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Specter, DIAF.
lorien1973 on July 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Specter, you SUCK!!!!!
Sorry. Just practicing.
tree hugging sister on July 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM
HAW HAW HAW…..
Goodbye JUNIOR Senator Specter….
originalpechanga on July 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
The only thing going for Specter in his match with Sestak is that many in PA do not know who Sestak is per recent polling. This will change now that he has committed to the race. Bad move Arlen.
PS: Good riddance.
ICBM on July 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Sweet….
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Let’s all give Arlen our emotional support. Maybe we can call and convince him to HANG in there until the end. If he could just take on enough debt, campaign himself into a coma, and shake enough swine flu infected hands, he can win!
Come on everyone, convince the guy to stay in the race. Call, write, or email your encouragement (but no money).
Pass the popcorn, please.
Laura in Maryland on July 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Karma. It can be a b!tch :)
Wolftech on July 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
I love it when people who stab you in the back, get what coming to them.
ChunkyLover on July 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
What a disgraceful puke that tiny little bald man is. Imagine being his kid or grandkid. How humiliating. “That’s right, Suzy, Paw-Paw is a douche bag and he doesn’t have any friends. Go over there and kick him in the shins for Mommy, will you?”
Rational Thought on July 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
http://www.pa2010.com/2009/06/bad-news-for-specter-only-28-percent-want-him-re-elected/
Not looking too good for Specter.
vitaatcaritas on July 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
I am starting to feel sorry for him. Don’t worry, I’ll get over it.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
I thought next years senate races were supposed to be pretty boring.
Having a real belly laugh over something political for the first time in a while.
And I’m usually above schadenfreude…not this time.
cozmo on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Sucks to be you S.P.E.C.T.R.E.
If Pennsylvanians don’t vote in Toomey after the disaster of crap-and-trade, they deserve their double-digit unemployment.
Doughboy on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
OK, so he’s one of the three that voted for Porkulous right? What’s the plan for removing my two least favorite lady Rinos?????????????
Youngs98 on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Such news!
It goes down smooth like a fine Burbon!
LincolntheHun on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Let’s hope that this signals a similar fate for a lot of other incumbents.
hawksruleva on July 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
I’m not…will wait patiently until you catch up…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Don’t you dare feel sorry for him.
What’s the difference between accidentally running over a snake and running over Arlen Specter?
You’d feel a little sorry for the snake.
Laura in Maryland on July 1, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Won’t it be hard for him to run being all green and reptilian, big black eyes, and a cone-like horn on his head? Not to mention the constant “SSSSSSSSS” sound he’d always make.
But then Sestack has his own troubles to deal with. He’s not perfect either.
rihar on July 1, 2009 at 4:44 PM
I hope he wins the Dem primary so Toomey can beat him.
Mark1971 on July 1, 2009 at 4:44 PM
You know, I almost want to donate to Sestak’s campaign.
Gator Country on July 1, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Specter has the Obamessiah on his side. He doesn’t have to worry about the Dems growing principles.
Speedwagon82 on July 1, 2009 at 4:45 PM
I love it. The corruption oozes from this guy. It was at the behest of his benefactors in the special interest and their money that caused this guy to jump ship like he did. Good riddance. Even Sestak will be preferable to this turd.
elduende on July 1, 2009 at 4:45 PM
How does our ass taste, Specter?
Chuck Schick on July 1, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Can’t you just see him……….
……… wandering the halls of Congress, alone, a look of desperation on his face, lip quivering, hands trembling, doors being closed in his face.
Soooooooooo schadenfreudeiouliciousnesstasytygoodness…….
Seven Percent Solution on July 1, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Too bad Specter can’t join Phil Specter in the joint.
I’m just fantasizing.
Geronimo on July 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
May be die forgotten and in an unmarked grave.
What an absolute piece of garbage Specter is.
NoDonkey on July 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Good times.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
A miserable end to a miserable career. What a POS.
Cicero43 on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Matt.3.10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
(seemed fitting?)
Ris4victory on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Not as good as Obama’s, but the chow line is MUCH shorter.
Laura in Maryland on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Bawhahaha tragic
bazil9 on July 1, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Looks like both partys left him.
the_nile on July 1, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Is there a soap bar involved in this fantasy?
WashJeff on July 1, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Dems have growing principles?
BetseyRoss on July 1, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Awesomeness. Go boil your head, Arlen!
Next up – what is the GOP doing about Countrywide Chris Dodd? That’s another tool who needs to be shown the door.
Fallen Sparrow on July 1, 2009 at 4:50 PM
You must have missed it with all the coverage of the Presidents dog and such, but Specter jumped back to his original party a while ago. So technically, he isn’t a RINO.
However, that leaves Snowe, Collins, Voinovich, Murkowski, Martinez, McCain, Lugar, Bennett, Cochrane, Grahamn, and Hagel.
Wolftech on July 1, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I hope Specter hangs on a while without announcing a retirement, but starts sticking it to Harry Reid for not getting the seniority he was promised. 59 votes!
Wethal on July 1, 2009 at 4:50 PM
And could you go out in any worse fashion? Abandon everything for power and be DENIED. Damn that feels good. Next: Ahmadinejad then Chavez.
bagoh20 on July 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
What a stupid mistake. He stabs his supporters in the back because his feelings are hurt. Now he is completely irrelevant. Just like Jumpin’ Jim Jefford’s any accomplishments are diminished by his betrayal.
roux on July 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Too bad Specter can’t join Phil Specter in the joint.
I’m just fantasizing.
Geronimo on July 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
With Bawney Frank as Warden.
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Nope, the grass isn’t greener over there.
Lesson for all you RINO’s: The ‘rats will stab you first chance they get too.
Bishop on July 1, 2009 at 4:52 PM
I’m so confused: Megan McCain and other media pundits have been telling the GOP to move to the center to have success in 2012.
And now here’s one of the most-moderate Senators out there getting his clocked cleaned from the right and the left.
I thought the GOP was supposed to play it down the middle, and it turns out I’m wrong.
I’m so confused…
ExUrbanKevin on July 1, 2009 at 4:53 PM
he embodies everything that is sooooo PHUKKED up with Congress and they have run this country into the ground….
LOSER!
SDarchitect on July 1, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
And don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of the Senate.
-Dave
Dave R. on July 1, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Well, I wasn’t going to, but since I have Ed’s permission…
gryphon202 on July 1, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Senator Specter, here’s wishing you all the best.You’ve been a wonderful Senator and I know, whatever happens, you’ll also do a wonderful job as a WalMart greeter should you lose.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 4:55 PM
No honor among thieves.
the_nile on July 1, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Enormous douches don’t retire.
Specter to announce his switch to Independent in 5…4…3…2…1…
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
ROFLMAO!!!!!
Pardon me , as I giggle like a school girl being felt up for the first time !
LOL
Tooo Friggen funny.
dont ya hate it when you out smart yourself !?
ColdWarrior57 on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
:)
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
…now if only we could get rid of John McCain, Lindsey Grahman, and those 8 TRAITOR RINOS who voted for Cap-n-Tax…as a starter…
Dale in Atlanta on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
The polling is not to rough for Spector. The newest one has Spector up 20%. I suspect the large portion of undecided will be the key. It’ll be awhile, so anything could happen, but a betting man right now might guess that its going to be tight.
http://www.pollster.com/polls/pa/10-pa-sen-dempr-svse.php
theonionfisher on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
I would love to see Specter beat in the primary, maybe I will change parties for the primary if Sestak looks like he is in trouble.
msmveritas on July 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Awww. I feel really bad for Arlen. /sarc
johnsteele on July 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Unfortunately, I don’t think we should order the cake for his retirement party just yet. RCP has some polling data, both on the primary race between Specter and Sestak and a general election match up between Specter and Toomey…every single poll shows Specter with a minimum of +8. Might be too early to tell. I hope.
uncivilized on July 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Specter in January 2011.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
And he will end up as another high buck lobbyist/lawyer. Too bad he can’t bent sent to work for a few Amish folks in his state for a year or two.
TexasDave on July 1, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Benedict Arlen looks like he was hit in the face with the Sacred Ass paddle
hamradio on July 1, 2009 at 4:58 PM
He’s so ronery.
Try harmony.com you freakin two-faced loser.
fogw on July 1, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Source: pa2010.com
mankai on July 1, 2009 at 4:59 PM
He was at 52 percent in March? Geesh…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 5:00 PM
snicker
guffaw
gut-busting laughter!
Ah yes. That did feel good.
Miss Molly on July 1, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Can’t happen soon enough.
muggedbyreality on July 1, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Arlenhole says what?
Waaaah!
Laura in Maryland on July 1, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Looks like his single bullitt theory took another turn.Darn the luck.
docflash on July 1, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Sestak has no name recognition which makes those polls pretty much telling not much. Specter isn’t getting over 50% and PA has had plenty enough time to make up their minds about him. I love the no opinions or don’t knows from my fellow Pennsylvanians. Helloooo how much more do you need to know about Specter?
LOL, great choice.
msmveritas on July 1, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Don’t get too worked up…it was an ACORN poll, 52% approval, 66% disapproval, and 7% no opinion with a margin of error of +/- reality.
Laura in Maryland on July 1, 2009 at 5:05 PM
sour grapes
sesquipedalian on July 1, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Now that Big Arl has undergone an ideological metanoia, perhaps a sex or species change is in order too. Hmmm?
whitetop on July 1, 2009 at 5:06 PM
I feel sorry for the *sshole…erase the first four words.
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Forgive me, God, I am. I am soaking in it.
And you, Arlen, you effing piece of rancid garbage, you can rot and twist in the wind. Joe Sestak is a leftist pos, too, but he’s going to slap you around bad with the dKos nitwits mauling every vote you ever got right.
Jaibones on July 1, 2009 at 5:09 PM
I know it’s Lennon but it is so spot on.
thomasaur on July 1, 2009 at 5:10 PM
The most important point, is to make him the poster boy of moderates.
THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!
Is what the campaign should be, and we have 8 recently dupes to start the campaign on…the 8 that voted for Cap & Trade.
Every time these guys show up in public…a picture of Arlene with the words: THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! printed on the picture/poster.
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Can you imagine how great it would be if Spectre somehow beat this jerk Sestak in an evil, acrimonious primary, and got to face Toomey with the dKos lunatics tearing at themselves over losing the 60 vote majority or voting for Spectre?
But I dare to dream.
Jaibones on July 1, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Thanks Ed, I needed a much deserved *feel good* story this week.
redrock on July 1, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Eh, I was sure Murtha was toast and sent his opposition money. It didn’t pan out.
Blake on July 1, 2009 at 5:13 PM
guffaw
PersonalLiberty on July 1, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Serves him right. This is what political expediency eventually lands you – momentary glory, but a final end on the refuse heap.
Wellsy on July 1, 2009 at 5:18 PM
At least Senator Benedict Arnold will have his dignity intact and can retire knowing that he always stood by his unwavering princples and commitment to freedom.
yeah, right.
DrW on July 1, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Hey Snarlen, don’t the the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.
The funniest part of it is that his “new buds”, the dimmocrats are the ones stabbing him in the back.
He really taught us awful Republicans that were mad about his porkulus vote a lesson, didn’t he?
darwin-t on July 1, 2009 at 5:21 PM
So who is going to get the call from Obama first? Spector or Sestak?
Vigilante on July 1, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Obama will send in the ACORNs and everything will work out fine. Its just an election.
volsense on July 1, 2009 at 5:23 PM
He will lose and the sad thing is, he just learned where the coffee is so he can serve his senior senators. You just know that when he announced his deaprture from the Rep party he was greeted with the following statement by his fellow deomcrats….”Back of the line, bitch”!
milwife88 on July 1, 2009 at 5:24 PM
A retired Specter is called Expectorate.
MaiDee on July 1, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Not soon enough.
He’s a disgrace.
cruadin on July 1, 2009 at 5:26 PM
So long Specter, it hasnt been nice knowing you. Take your pals Snowe and Collins with you…
dogsoldier on July 1, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Mwahahahahahaha…
Sue on July 1, 2009 at 5:28 PM
What??? There won’t be a father-son reunion??
dglenn on July 1, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Sold his sole for the power of the Senate. This screams term limits…
d1carter on July 1, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Specter makes Slow Joe look like Einstein.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 1, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Remember one thing, however…. The Messiah likes to makes safe bets, as seen in Iran. If the Messiah determines at any time that Specter is a goober, he’ll back Sestak.
Outlander on July 1, 2009 at 5:32 PM
I bet he sucks at poker too.
therightscoop on July 1, 2009 at 5:32 PM
This site needs more emoticons… I want some fellows with party hats on that are jumping up and down.
El_Terrible on July 1, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Second time I’ve ever read a comment from you that caused my jaw to hit the floor. Don’t worry, I’ll get over it!
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 5:36 PM
He’s smart enough, he’s mean enough, and doggone it, we’d all like to see Stuart Smalley’s vote neutralized.
NellE on July 1, 2009 at 5:36 PM
:O)
Seven Percent Solution on July 1, 2009 at 5:36 PM
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