Specter's Defection Hurts Republicans Again

[dkf]

CQ Politics notes that Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) was ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee before his switch to the Democratic side earlier this week and it could severely hurt Republicans as they prepare for Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Here's why: "Ranking Republican isn't just a courtesy title. It's a management job. That's the person who runs the staff of legal professionals who evaluate legislation and handle the behind-the-scenes work of vetting each judicial nominee. As you can imagine, going through the paperwork on a Supreme Court nomination -- and dealing with the politics of a Supreme Court nomination -- is a very big job." http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/05/01/specters_defection_hurts_republicans_again.html

[Bandit]

1. It remains to be seen if it really hurts the Republicans or Democrats.

This man is an ass and I would not put it past him to be as obstructionist as any Republican and still claim to be a Democrat.

[msongs]

2. so how is Arlen doing in voting to support democrats' legislation so far? nt