*** Poll: Arlen Specter switching parties ***

[progressoid]

Poll question: *** Poll: Arlen Specter switching parties ***

How do we DUers feel about adding Specter to our party?

We know it's a great blow to the Republican brand, but I'm more interested in what it does for us.

[southpaw]

1. Good

If only to demoralize the pugs and add another check in the Dem column.

Besides, he won't be the most conservative Democrat in the Senate.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. And that COULD be used as an incentive against some of the more

conservative blue dogs - "Why can't you vote for that? Specter's behind it and HE used to be a REPUBLICAN!"

[Dawgs]

2. Anything that puts another nail in the coffin is GREAT.

It's not perfect, but it is great.

[jsamuel]

3. I put somewhat bad, but I could have also voted for somewhat good.

I put somewhat bad because he is likely still going to oppose the EFCA and now apparently the dems have promised not to run a primary candidate against him. This means that we will have 7 and 1/2 years of this guy who doesn't vote with us on important issues.

The good part is that it demoralizes the Republican party and emphasizes their inability to cope with people with different views.

[Dawgs]

4. You're assuming we will need him.

If nothing else we at least know that he will add to our numbers.

[Ediacara]

6. I am disappointed that there was supposedly a promise of no primary challenge

That's BS. He didn't fit well with the modern Republicans, but that doesn't mean he fits well with the Democrats.

[damntexdem]

7. Somewhat good.

Pushes Dems closer to cloture.

Dims chances for EFCA and other necessary reforms.

[progressoid]

8. .

kicking for the evening voters

[progressoid]

12. .

any more late night voters?

[progressoid]

13. Last time to vote...

[BlooInBloo]

9. Helps us some. Helps them none. Hurts us some. Hurts them a LOT.

So on balance: good for us.

[leftstreet]

10. Meh, I guess it's good that politicians are exposing themselves

He jumped to keep his job, plain and simple.

The Republican brand is dead, and by the time they revive themselves Specter will be six feet under.

Why he couldn't just lose and be a lobbyist like the rest of them...who knows.

[agentS]

11. Sort of good

I don't trust the guy, but with GOP pressure off his ass we might see what he's really made of.

Dems are more 'tolerant' of diverse points of view than the Rethugs are, so if he wants to debate dems on Health Care or DADT, so be it. But, when it comes down to voting on these issues, he needs to remember who's side of the fence he's on now.

For now, I see the brains of the GOP are fleeing the onslaught of the teabag stupids.

[mdmc]

14. .

.