Arlen Specter and NJ

Republicans and Conservatives are up in arms over Arlen Specter's defection to the Democrat party. My first impression is that I am not surprised. Specter has made a habit of using his "moderate" mantle to horsetrade for his own political base. And I am okay with that. What bothers me is his "holier than thou" approach to his current situation.

Here is the deal:

1. He has long been a conservative at election time and a liberal in the senate
2. He has never espoused any semblance of fiscal responsibility
3. He had been supported by the National GOP up to right now

So his response when things are looking bleak in the polls-defect. Ok.

But this isn't an indictment of conservative policies. The Republican party has the right and duty to promote politicians who agree with their principles. If members stray, they also have the right to disagree.

But Specter seems to believe that he has an entitlement to Republican support. He doesn't. Nor does any politician. Evidence? See Specter's announcement today.

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