"Specter receives warm reception from Dems "

[rvablue]

This is from the Hill today on a luncheon at the Capitol.

*snip*

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who helped convince Specter to leave the GOP last month to become a Democrat, told reporters Tuesday that Specter received a standing ovation at the private weekly lunch meeting in the Mansfield Room.

But three Democratic senators who spoke to The Hill contradicted Reid and said that Specter received “warm” and even “strong applause,” but certainly no standing ovation. The lawmakers requested anonymity because lunches are supposed to stay private.

*snip*

Specter’s highly publicized switch rankled some in the party over an agreement Reid made with Specter that would allow the Pennsylvania senator to retain the seniority he earned through his five terms as a Republican.

*snip*

Specter claims that Reid has promised to recognize him in the 112th Congress with the same seniority as a Democrat elected in 1980.

*snip*

Democratic leaders tried to ensure that Specter would feel well taken care of. He sat at the leadership table, which is usually reserved for Reid, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), said a Democratic senator in attendance.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/specter-receives-warm-reception-from-dems-2009-05-05.html


Why does the Democratic Party have to kiss Spector's ass?

He switched parties to save himself, not to help the party.

The bit about the leadership table really, really got to me --- especially after the comment on Coleman today.

So, Arlen gets to do whatever he wants, gets all the perks of a senior Dem and campaign cash and no one is ever going to tell him to get in line?

The Democrats won the last election across the board based on Democratic ideas. So, why are we rolling out the red carpet for this guy?

It's starting to get to me a bit.....maybe I'll have to eat my words, but signs that he is moving the left in any way are nil right now.

[polichick]

1. It's sickening - even when Dems on the Hill win, they act like losers.

[rvablue]

3. Don't know if you went to the link. But it seems not everyone is all too happy

about Spector.

If he was going to stay so "independent" than he should have become one.

But then he wouldn't have access to the DSCC cash.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

2. Apparently Dean and Carville warned Specter that they would run a primary candidate

should Specter stray too far. However, I don't know how credible the source is:

<snip>

Dean, Carville Warn Specter: Shape Up Or Face Primary

Less than a week into his tenure as a Democrat and Sen. Arlen Specter is already stepping sharply on the toes of party elders. Key Democratic figures warned on Monday that their newly minted colleague, despite having the backing of the White House, could face a tough primary challenge should he continue to oppose key tenets of the party's agenda.

"I'm pleased that he saw the light and decided he would be a better fit for the Democratic Party and I think you have to allow for his political views to evolve," said former DNC chairman Howard Dean in an interview with the Huffington Post. "But he won't win the Democratic primary by taking the position that you should not have or a public option for health insurance... If he takes these kinds of views, of course there is going to be a Democratic primary."

In a separate interview with the Huffington Post, Democratic strategist James Carville was equally as sour on Specter's recent party switch, calling the defection a potential "major event in terms of how the Senate conducts its business," but "a relatively minor event in political history."

" was the least reliable Republican. So he will just switch to become the least reliable Democrat," said the longtime Clinton confidant and author of the upcoming book, "40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation." "I wouldn't try to make much more out of it than the political survivor comes up with one more act in a long running play of political survival... The one thing I will give him is I will give him some points for candor for being so upfront about ."

"I'm not sure this is going to have a great ending," added Carville, who has worked extensively in Pennsylvania politics. "He could get primaried, you know... If Sestak runs, will have to fight."

The remarks come a day after Specter, appearing on Meet the Press, insisted that he had not pledged to be a "loyal Democrat" as a pre-requisite for switching party affiliations. He also restated his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, which he came out against while still a Republican, and said he would not support a public option for health care insurance as part of a reform package.

</snip>

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_196033.html

[Enrique]

4. to me this is like the Hugo Chavez dustup

what are they supposed to do, boo him?

[rvablue]

6. No and that wasn't the point of posting this.

It wasn't about the applause.

Just handing over leadership positions on committees in place of other good Dems who have been fighting the good fight for years is what bugs me. On MTP this weekend he said he was "entitled" to that.

He needs to be a team player if he's going to get party money and support. And so far, he hasn't shown any proof of that. He also doesn't think that I deserve access to the same health care plan that saved his life.

[Enrique]

7. oh, ok I agree with that

the courtesy I'm ok with, the substantial stuff rubs me the wrong way. I think there are some conditions on their support for him, I don't know why there wouldn't be.

[eleny]

5. Enough with this ass kissing

That gasbag, Specter, needs an ear twisting.

[Cha]

8. He needs some FACTS thrown

in his face..like Dean on Specter..Gotta love Dean~

"I'm pleased that he saw the light and decided he would be a better fit for the Democratic Party and I think you have to allow for his political views to evolve," said former DNC chairman Howard Dean in an interview with the Huffington Post. "But he won't win the Democratic primary by taking the position that you should not have or a public option for health insurance... If he takes these kinds of views, of course there is going to be a Democratic primary."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8390289