Specter had disavowed a switch

News of Sen. Arlen Specter’s party switch today comes after months of strong statements to the contrary by the Pennsylvania Senator.

In a March 17th interview with The Hill, Specter said he absolutely would not switch parties:

[Democrats] are trying very hard for the 60th vote. Got to give them credit for trying. But the answer is no.

I’m not going to discuss private talks I had with other people who may or may not be considered influential. But since those three people are in the public domain, I think it is appropriative to respond to those questions.

I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role, a more important role, to play there. The United States very desperately needs a two-party system. That’s the basis of politics in America. I’m afraid we are becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party with so little representation of the northeast or in the middle atlantic. I think as a governmental matter, it is very important to have a check and balance. That’s a very important principle in the operation of our government. In the constitution on Separation of powers.

Also on the Specter switch:

–Specter move caught GOP leaders by surprise

–Michael Steele on the switch of the ‘left-wing’ senator

–Harry Reid on convincing Specter to switch

–Who will Specter eat lunch with now?

Tags Arlen Specter Arlen Specter Dismissal of United States Attorneys controversy Pennsylvania Political parties in the United States Politics Quotation Specter Spectre United States Senate Democratic primary election in Pennsylvania United States Senate election in Pennsylvania Warren Commission

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