Arlen Specter Comes Out of Closet

So Arlen Specter switched to the Democratic Party. On any major issue, he was always with the Democrats anyway, so it is really irrelevant. The downside is that he will vote with the Democrats immediately, and not without minor hesitation. The upside can be helping the Republicans better define their platform. A platform that evaporated during the Bush years.

Back in 2004, when Specter faced a strong grassroots primary challenge from a conservative Congressman, Pat Toomey. However, Bush and the Republican establishment campaigned for and supported Specter. They believed it was most important to have an "R" next to your name, no matter how they actually voted or what they stood for. This lack of leadership, created a Republican party without direction. Hence, this is why they lost in 2006 and 2008.

So what did Karl Rove & Company get for the support of Specter? A principle-less Republican Party and 4 years of votes with Democrats on important issues

The Republicans seem to be in another cycle:

1. Democrats raise taxes and spending. Republicans purport to be the party of low taxes and limited spending
2. Republicans elected.
3. Republicans think they can grow the party by moving left. They support increased spending, increased government regulation, and perhaps some minor tax increases.
4. Republicans lose elections.