Despite Defection, Sen. Specter's Political Future Still Unclear

Several days ago, Senator Arlen Specter dropped a political bombshell on the GOP. Specter, who was considered a moderate Republican, defected to the Democratic Party. As a result, it had caused an ideological clash between moderates and conservatives within the GOP. So far, it is revealed that Specter is up for reelection in 2010 and would come up against stiff competition during the GOP primary from conservative Pat Toomey. In short, Specter will be running for reelection as a Democrat. Conservatives either criticized Specter or said “good riddance.” Moderates like Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine and Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina criticized the conservatives. Perhaps this may have put the GOP at an ideological crossroad. In respect to Specter’s defection, reactions from the GOP are mixed. However, Democrats are pretty much in the same boat with Republicans in that respect. Pennsylvania Democrats have mixed feelings about Specter’s defection let alone reelection run. A US News article explains that things still look dire for the GOP. It also touches base on the Minnesota Senate race. The article implies that it is highly probably that Al Franken, who is running as a Democrat, will capture Minnesota’s Senate seat. It also touches ground on the ideological crossroad. The article explains in that respect the clash of: Republican basics vs. reaching out to other voting bases. To kick off its start, the newly formed National Council for a New America initiative is planning to have a pizza blast at the Pie-Tanza in Arlington, Virginia this Saturday according to the TIME Magazine article. This new group will be reaching out to the suburban demographics. Overall, Specter has made further GOP adversaries. However, Specter has put himself in the line of political fire from both sides. One such Democratic adversary could be Representative Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania. Sestak has given his concerns about Specter’s defection and reelection as a Democrat. In an ABC News article, Sestak said that he was unsure if he was going to run for the US Senate or not. In a Politico article, it explains that when asked, Sestak said that he is more inclined to run for the US Senate. A Newsweek article echoes what ABC News and Politico have said. This could be a foreshadowing of the possibility of Sestak running against Specter in the Democratic primary for the Pennsylvania Senate seat. In that respect, just because Specter is running for reelection as a Democrat does not simply mean he will win. Even with support of US President Barack Obama, Specter’s future in the US Senate remains unclear. An article on CBS News’ Political Hotsheet points out the same thing. This also explains that Specter will face tough and serious competition from both parties. A Huffington Post article also brings criticism to Specter’s defection along with backing from Democrats. Overall, the 2010 Senate race in Pennsylvania should be one that is watched very closely. With everything that is factored, Specter has politically put himself in the line of fire from both sides. While Specter’s political future may be uncertain, there is another thing that could happen: Pennsylvania could end up losing its seniority in the US Senate. Specter is the twelfth most senior member of the US Senate.