Ever hear of "Underground Railroad Republicans?"

[philly_bob]

That's what a poll-watcher lady called herself today at my Philly primary polling location.

Nice lady, thought that Obama had betrayed Arlen Spector and her big local issue was a dirty movie theater in the neighborhood.

It's odd. She was embarrassed by modern Republicans, said her friends told her she "thought Democratic," only stayed Republican because it gave her more independence than the lockstep Philadelphia Democratic machine.

A historical oddity. Any comments or context?

[JoePhilly]

1. Obama supported Spector.

I grew up in Philly, and I suspect that the increased influence of African Americans in Philly politics is still an issue.

I lived there as the city transitioned from Frank Rizzo to Wilson Good. Rizzo was no Democratic friend to the AA community.

Philly has always had an odd relationship to the GOP and the Democratic party.

The city has tended to be pro-Union, neutral on gay, abortion, and other social issues, hard core on law enforcement, moderate on fiscal issues, and not very right wing Christian at all ... its a mixed bag ... probably why Specter hung around so long.