CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
May 5, 2009 – 8:05 p.m.
Specter Says He ‘Misspoke” on Minnesota Senate Race
By Bart Jansen, CQ Staff
The political whirlwind that surrounded Sen. Arlen Specter ’s switch from the Republican to Democratic party had him forgetting which team he is rooting for in 2010.
But after voicing support for Republican Norm Coleman in his contested Minnesota Senate race, Specter said he misspoke in a New York Times magazine interview and is supporting Democrats.
Specter switched parties April 30 in an effort to hold his Pennsylvania seat for a sixth term in the 2010 election. The move upset fellow Republicans and elated Democrats who edged to a 59-seat majority with two independents in a Senate where 60 senators can cut off debate.
The results of Coleman’s contest with Democrat Al Franken , which are pending in state Supreme Court, will determine whether Democrats reach 60.
Specter was interviewed for a one-page Times magazine feature scheduled to run May 10. Several responses appeared tongue-in-cheek — when asked to keep his answers short and “try not to filibuster” he simply said “sure.”
Asked whether he cared about a shortage of Jewish Republicans in the Senate, Specter replied: “I sure do. There’s still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner.”
But questioned outside the Senate chamber Tuesday, Specter said the comment was a mistake.
“In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates,” he said. “I’m ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I’ve made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke.”
Asked who he’s backing now in elections, Specter said, “I’m looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal.”
Comments
"Nothing personal" but this verbal stumble begs for a challenge by Representative Sestak or some other prominent LOYAL Democrat, it would seem.
Hey, Dems, be careful what you wish for.
Specter's gaffe shows that he retains his Republican reflexes. In his heart, he is still rooting for Coleman to win, when clearly the seat belongs by all rights to Al Franken. I am glad that the Democrats did not give him Democratic seniority for the time he was a Republican. What guarantee is there that, once he wins re-election as a Democrat, he won't switch back to being a Republican? As Winston Churchill said, in the UK where the term "rat" means "to change parties," "To rat is one thing, but it takes real ingenuity to re-rat."
He couldn't bring himself to utter the name Franken.
jrsposter - I love that quote from Churchill, but I think it undermines your point a little bit: "To rat is one thing, but it takes real ingenuity to re-rat." Churchill himself was a Tory-turned-Liberal-turned-Tory...so in a way the comment was self-congratulatory. I see your point, but Specter can't really go back to the Republican Party; he's burned that bridge. And the reason for his leaving still holds: he can't win a Republican primary in Pennsylvania. Specter's comments since late last week have demanded a rebuke from the Senate Democratic caucus, and it warms my heart to see he got one.
there is nothing more pathetic than an old hack politician who will not go away. knowing he was in trouble, he thinks that switching parties will save him at home? no fool like an old fool. and the dems have already broken their promise to preserve his seniority status on the committees that specter served on. 79, health adled, and stupid. Go Home Old Man.
What a tool.
No American, Democrat or not, should be hoping for a Senator Franken.
This only shows he will say anything or do anything to stay in political power. Maybe now you dems will understand why the GOP didn't want him anymore. And this defines what we mean by a spinless politician not willing to stand on any principals. The GOP is not looking for purity in a candidate, we just want our reps to mean what they say, words have meaning.
At 79, maybe Specter forgets who he is supposed to support. He's forgot about the people of Pennsylvania.
Perhaps the Democrats are finally learning something about testes and politics...or at least hope so as if they don't stand up, they will quickly lose whatever edge they have gained.
Specter thinks he's pulling a cute one here. That man is so Republican it hurts. The only reason he changed parties is to try to get re-electd, for the humpteenth time. Specter, Dade, and Murtha will always be bums. Murtha is concerned about one thing, his name. He may be a veteran, but even vets can be rotten to the core. Murtha pulled off another big scam in this airport doozy, just like he and Dade did in "Steamtown USA". This one would like to know if "Steamtown..." is still getting millions each year thanks to Murtha.
For the youngsters who've been fed revised history -- 40-odd years ago, Spectre WAS a Dem. & jumped on the Repub coat-tails to grab a win. In NO way is he *new* to the game.
THIS is the garbage I hate about politics! The loyalty of the Representatives in Washington should be to their STATES and to the VOTERS in that state who elected them and NOT to their Party 1st! Politicians' loyalties are currently Party 1st, 'ME' 2nd, Lobyists 3rd, and then MAYBE 4) the people who elected them. For a second, Spectre forgot that he once had morals, ethics, a mind of his own, and could stand on his own to vote his conscience...until he remembered he SOLD HIS SOUL to the DNC in an act of political self-preservation, NOW, instead of supporting friends running for office against unethical, immoral, ultr-liberal MORONS he would never vote for himself, he realizes he must now support the unethical, immoral, ultr-liberal MORONS he would never vote for himself! Way to go, Spectre! You are the Poster child for Career Politicians who need to be booted from office. Fortunately you are still running 4th or 5th behind the criminal and self-promoting Pelosi, Reid, Murtha, and Feinstein!
Specter is confused about how a clown like Franken could even be considered as a senator. I think he's wrong. Look at Pelosi, Dodd, Frank, Etc. Can't think of bigger clowns than that lieup.
this dude needs to hit the road. it's obvious he's only in it for himself. no matter the party affiliation he just can't grasp not being a Senator. If needs to take up crochet, soon.
I'm not going to waste my breath on Franken, but it is obvious that Specter will do or say anything to retain his senate seat. If the dems think they can trust him anymore than the repubs, they are dumber than I suspected! But they deserve him. His word is obviously as good as theirs.
There is a Specter haunting America. A ghostly presence of undermined nature. One day he is a Democrat. Then he is a Republican. Then he is a Democrat. Then he backs away from the President's agenda. Then he backs away from backing away. Then he support Norm Coleman after being asked his opinion about why the Republican Party has so few Jews. I don't know Coleman's religion, nor is it any of my business. I think I know Franken's, which makes the answer interesting. What does he believe? Is today a month with an "R" in it? Is it an even numbered or odd numbered day. Stay tuned.
Sven, why?
The man is a disgrace. From his single bullet theory to allowing a murderer to escape justice by allowing Ira Einhorn to move to France. The ONLY reason he switched is to avoid losing in the Republican primary. We need term limits for the Senate and the House, maybe 2 terms for the Senate and 5 for the House. It's ridiculous to have these same fossils re-elected year after year, even though the people could vote them out, they end up electing incumbents or voting party line and not issues. Specter is a joke that the sooner we get rid of him, the better.
The Coleman/Franken race was such a dirty one and was so close that honestly, no matter which of the two of them ends up "winning" that senate seat, the people of Minnesota will end up losing. I hope that when whomever ends up winning that seat is up for re-election that the people of Minnesota get a candidate worthy of their great state... Because between Franken and Coleman NEITHER of them are deserving of that seat! Minnesota deserves far better than those two!
Hey Sven, I am hoping for a Senator Franken even though I find him a bit moderate for my tastes. (Oh, and I guess I'm American) Let's remember too that Coleman switched from Democrat to Republican when the winds were blowing that way....
How about instead of getting used to his new teammates and jumping on the "I support what they support" bandwagon, he just represents the people who elected him. I'm tired of politicians going along with their party on issues when every one of those 100 (including Franken) Senators was put their by us. It isn't about what Harry Reid, or Nancy Pelosi, or obama want. It is about what WE want. The sooner America demands this from our elected represntives, the sooner we'll get it...
I thought he was making a joke in the first place. A question about Jewish Republicans, coming from a reporter named Solomon? His answer had "yeah, right" written all over it. His only mistake was being too flippant.
@lwssdd: "The GOP is not looking for purity in a candidate, we just want our reps to mean what they say, words have meaning." Riiiight. I remember all the outrage from the GOP when Bush signed Medicare Part D, and when he increased the size of government more than any of his predecessors, and when he doubled the deficit to pay for all his wars. Yes, the GOP certainly isn't about to let anyone get between them and their deeply-held beliefs. Unless of course that person says he's found Jesus, or hates abortion or Democrats, then the GOP has no problem dutifully following along.
What a bunch of sore losers.
I am proud to say I voted for Franken. He will make a great senator when he is finally seated. He puts the American people first, including our troops. Norm Coleman is primarily interested in how many perks he can scoop up.
A person who is of the age he is 79, and has battled cancer and sell his soul to the dems for the sake of self-preservation has the character of a snake (no backbone). I pray God will be as generous as the Dems. All the sake of thinking of himself.
Isn't Franken Jewish too?
Thats what I like about politicans, tow the party line, don't look at who is best for our country. How can Spector go one day and say Coleman is the best and the very next day say Franken should be in. What a hypocrite!!
This whole thing brings the issue down to this: there should be a term limit on all political offices. Our legislators consider themselves in office for themselves or a political party. They are in their office to represent 'we, the people'.
It could be that Spector forgot Coleman is a Republican, because at one time he was a Democrat. In the early 90's Coleman was the Democratic Mayor of St Paul, but switched party affiliation to Republican in 1996. And Coleman and Franken are both Jewish.
For your Reference, Mr. Reno, both Mr. Franken and Mr. Colemen are both Jewish. As a side note, this every elected holder of this senate seat has been Jewish since Walter Mondale gave up the seat to become VP. (the execptions exist with the 2 appointed interem holders of the seat, Sen Anderson & Sen. Barkley.)
TERM LIMITS!
Snakes have backbones, by the way. In fact, they probably have much more muscular spinal tissue than legged animals, seeing as it's their sole means of getting around. And Arlen was so obviously making a joke. The fact that no one got it reflects poorly on them, not him.
"USA Neocon - Hey, Dems, be careful what you wish for." Thanks for the warning. As a Democrat I'd take an honest Republican over Specter any day.
Coleman is taking the sore loser challenge to a new level. Just a ploy to delay the inevitable dem majority of 60. Coleman cannot win by lawsuit.
Al Franken a good Senator? What a lying liar your are. Give me a break. Al Franken wouldn't make a good doorstop. He is essentially an idiot, as anyone who as ever listened to him debate can testify. He's not interested in the American people, any more than any Democrat who continues to fuel dependance on the government for things an individual should provide for himself. In addition he's almost stolen the seat instead of being elected, through abuse of the election system. We can only hope the courts prevent this travesty of justice. I already watched the sanctity of the vote detroyed in my state of Ohio, when the democrats made the decision to allow voting on the same day as registration, guaranteeing that bad votes would go through before they could be verified. Anything to get elected. It's OK, though Comrade, Big Brother Obama will look out for what's best for you. He and his lackeys in Congress are already trying to take over the banks, and big business, so that they can control you through your pocketbook. Don't complain, though, or you could become a non-person.......
I was a democrat before I was a republican before I was a democrat. No wonder he's having a hard time keeping everything straight. You go Arlen. Power. That's what its all about. Heaven forbid if you had to try to find a job in the real world. If the Federal Government went bankrupt would you jump from one of the big ugly gray federal buildings? Too many layers of princes, nobles, and thugs in the federal government. Don't vote him back into power. Find another, not-so-power-hungry fool for Pennsylvania.
Nothing will stop this idiot from switching party again. I really hope he doesn't. We haven't wanted him in years and celebrated when he finally put on the coat which fits. Uh, jrsposter, under what rules of fair play do you claim that Franken won (clearly, and by all rights, you say)? You must like the LBJ, JFK kind of math. I've often chastised my daughter that she whines if not given the answer she wants, and continues to do so unless she can force a decision to her liking. That's they way Dems seem to win close elections these days. That's ok, do what damage you can while you can. Specter's seat is not safe, regardless of party, nor are half a dozen other dim-lights.
It doesn't matter what party affiliation you belong to who in there right mind would vote for Franken. He is obnocious. I couldn't even stand him on SNL. From what I have read, his own party doesn't think much of him.
franken Franken FRANKEN ! ! Say it ! SSAAYY ITTT!!!!
Rediculous excuse. To give context, Specter was answering a question regarding him leaving the Republican Party. Did he forget that quickly (2 seconds) that he was leaving the party he was being questioned about leaving?
The actual question verbatim: With your departure from the Republican Party, there are no more Jewish Republicans in the Senate. Do you care about that?
I guarantee Franken will be a funnier politician then he was a comedian.
Dear Sven: I am looking forward to the confirmation of the court, stating that based on the count of votes, Al Franken is the winner of Minnesota's US Senate race and that he may take his seat in the United States Senate. Mr. Franken is an intelligent and thoughtful individual and he'll make a fine Senator. The past century of Republican dirty tricks is over, now and we need to clean up the they mess left behind. Senator Franken will help to move that process along. I look forward to a group of decent, fiscally conservative, corporate wary, mildly socially progressive Republicans either leaving the party to form another or banding together to kick out the right-wing extremists that have decimated their ranks. In one of these two ways, that group will become stronger we may seek to restore a balanced voice in the American body politic. dh
FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN! FRANKEN!
Dear Dan, It was Republican President Bush and his appointed Republican Treasury Secretary and his Appointed Republican Chairman of the Federal Reserve who decided to bail out the banks and AIG. The Fed. Chair gave AIG $84 Billion without even asking Congress. Own up to it, Dan, lest you sound like a lying coward and a fraud, in addition to advertising yourself as a whiner and a bitter loser.
Specter was always a joke, thinking only of himself. Didn't he become famous for his "one-bullet" theory when Kennedy was shot?
For everyone calling for 'Term Limits': 1) Congress would have to vote to pass that requirement - that would be like asking Bill Clinton to STOP lying! 2) We already have a method to enforce Term Limits - its called 'VOTING'! The main problem with this system is a 'carbon-based malfunction'! You guessed it - PEOPLE! Murtha, for example, recently called his constituents 'stupid' and 'racist rednecks' right before an election. Yup, they re-elected the guy!
Actually, this is a "re-rat" for Specter...he was a Democrat back in the 60's, and switched to the GOP to get elected in Pennsylvania.
Could we at least find a REAL Democrat who would support the Employee Free Choice Act, to replace Specter.
Specter, Reid, Kennedy, Franken , Lugar, Hatch..... is there any difference?
Franken reminds me of Goldberg - A one time UN representative for the US. Eisenhower ( at about 80 years of age ) once debated Goldberg on a TV program. Eisenhower came off looking like the genius he was; while Goldberg talked like a complete idiot. The only difference is Goldberg seemed to have had more brains than Franken.
I hope franken wins because he is a loose cannon, and I hope you dems are happy with a two facer like Spector he'll fit in nicely with murther, dirty harry reid, I didn't know about waterboarding pelosi, and i didn't put that into the bill dodd.
I most certainly admit that Bush and his group signed the first bailout, which I fervently opposed. I'm as frustrated as anyone with the insanity of the GOP's departure from the platform of small Federal Government. Regardless of how bad that was, it's now Obama and the Dem Congress and Senate that are intent on spending this country to death. Oh, and they're not going to spend money they have - they're not going to raise taxes and spend that - they're going to borrow money THEY don't have to repay. Give me a break. The Feds need to stop trying to help everyone and get back to the restrictions laid out in the 9th and 10 Amendments. The 50 States need to reclaim their sovereignty, and power needs to be pushed back down to the people, before we find ourselves enslaved and helpless. The ideas in the book "1984" can happen, but only if we choose the comfort of "being taken care of" over freedom.......
what a bunch of petty narrowmined these 'public servants' are - both parties. I am disgusted with the entire congress.
Dan, Dan, Dan. "In addition he's almost stolen the seat instead of being elected...." In all your misguided anger, who stole the biggest election of all time without being elected? Come on. I know you know the answer. Let me help. It begins with a B.
This clown should be physically escorted out of Washington D.C. It's clear he doesn't care about anyone but his own personal gain. For that matter, anyone who changes their party in the middle of a term should loose their seat and a special election should be held.
Must be a Democrat all t.he way before We will go for him.............................lets not pussy foot around . PA. is all Democrat lets spread the word TO Specter.TRY TO BE A GOOD DEMOCRAT.....................................................Okay
For those who think Franken isn't qualified. You're wrong. He's about as close to the perfect Senator as you could want in the situation. Why do you suppose the Republicans have spent so much money in the effort to DELAY Franken's being sworn-in. The GOP added a ton and a half of Earmarks to the Stimulus. Is there one among you that thinks all that Pork would have been in the package if Franken was seated in his Senate Seat rather than being held-off by litigation? No. This Country is going to be a whole lot closer to better-off with Franken seated in Senate than with any other candidate taking that chair.
Why doesn't someone demand Mr. Specter honor the contract he entered into with the voter of Pennsylvania that elected him? He has clearly broken that contract and no longer represents those people. The basic concept of a contract has been in the country for much longer than the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Specter made a promise to those people who traded their vote for his seat in the Senate. The paperwork he signed when he declared for the seat is a contract by and between Mr. Specter and those people together with the Republican Party. Where are all those legal eagles who defend our rights?
Heather , thankfully someone has a sense of reality here. . . . . If anyone cares, please read all of the comments so far, and take a step back from yourself. It becomes evident why it is so difficult to get things done in free societies. Everyone has a different opinion and their own agenda. Don't like it here, go somewhere else. At least you're free to do so.
Spector is a total creep.......he should feel right at home with the dems! I'm so HAPPY he's a proud member of the Marxist (I mean dimocratic Party). Franken is barely human
We've had one Presidential coup (US Supreme Court: 2000) Does no one remember the disaster of our first coup? I don't think a democracy can survive too many coups. GOP has been steeling elections one way or another long enough. It's time to call a halt.
Come on folks...not the same guy as the single bullet theory in the JFK assassination....for more on Specter see to view a partial list of crimes committed by FBI agents over 1500 pages long see http://www.forums.signonsandiego.com/showthread.php?t=59139 to view a partial list of FBI agents arrested for pedophilia see http://www.dallasnews.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3574
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