Obama argues for Sen. Specter’s re-election

Source: Associated Press

President appears at fundraiser for Republican-turned-Democrat

updated 3:13 p.m. MT, Tues., Sept . 15, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - President Barack Obama urged Pennsylvania voters on Tuesday to support the re-election bid of Sen. Arlen Specter in a personal appearance here for the Republican-turned-Democrat who represents an important test of the White House's political apparatus.

Facing a potential primary challenge, Specter, a longtime Republican, switched political parties in April, giving Democrats a valuable 60-vote majority in the Senate. The White House immediately said it would help Specter defend his seat, starting with a fundraiser Tuesday that was expected to raise $2.5 million.

"Arlen's not someone who came to Washington to fight for a particular ideology. He came to fight for the working men and women of Pennsylvania," Obama said. "He has a long and successful record of doing just that."

By attaching itself so wholeheartedly to Specter, the White House has tied its political fortunes to the former prosecutor. If Specter loses a strong primary challenge from Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak, aides acknowledge that the Obama brand may be damaged heading into the president's own re-election in 2012.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32864852/ns/politics-more_politics/

Primary him. I guess that is part of the deal and all but really now...is this what the Democrats have become?

Ar;an had represented Pa. for a very long time and everybody knows his name. You know, Arlan was a Dem years ago and switched to Pub to win an election. I must say O thank him for the times he voted with the Dems to help us pass a bill. Of all the Pubbies in Congress, he's (or was) one of the very few I culd actuallly stand!

It was at Netroots Nation, and Specter was obviously trying to suck up to the left-wing blogosphere. But Sestak was in my view trying too hard to sell himself, and overdoing the emotion. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that situation next year.

Sorry Barack.

Politics is a gross business.

"accept his (Jones) resignation", technically and more precisely, but... we know what that means.


and screw this "bipartisanshit" business. :argh:

Specter has voted better lately, but is not loyal IMO.

http://joesestak.com/Home/Home.html

:kick:

sending Sestak money pronto. This is just awful news.

:thumbsdown:

:puke:

Those are the two things he will be remembered for.
Shame on Obama for supporting the man who helped coverup JFK's death and who harassed Anita Hill.
Send money to Joe Sestak who is the honest progressive in this race, not an old ego twisted self aggrandizing narcissist.

How dare he show his face at the AFL-CIO when he helped kill card check is beyond me. He HASN'T been a strong friend of the working man in PA, so vote his ass out, primary him and fuck him.

:puke:

Go Sestak!

Con: Arlen has certainly done what was politically expedient, particularly near election years when he needed neocon support. Anita Hill ... ugh. Can't stand to think about it.

Con: His health. He has been through hell and back with his brain tumor, followed by two rounds of cancer. He's getting elderly. He needs to retire.

Pro: I have not been at all impressed with Joe Sestak. Every time he opens his mouth, I get the same "what-is-this?" knitted brow I get when I watch a movie that has a bullshit script.

Pro: Arlen was many times our RINO secret weapon. He and the two ladies from Maine have been dependable as moderates. Back in 1981, when I interviewed him for a small PA newspaper, I was very impressed with him as a new senator, and I remember thinking, "WHY is this guy a REPUBLICAN?" He rode in on Reagan's coattails, but he has often voted with the Dems. He was a Dem before he was a Pug before he was a Dem. Dang it ... I like the guy, despite all.

(Con: Flip flopper)

Pro: Despite his party switch, he's been around a long time in the Senate, and does have power (and lots of friends) in the Senate. As a Pennsylvanian, I want a well-connected senator who can do things for my state.