Arlen Specter.....

The stunning change of parties last week by Sen. Arlen Specter was w/o question a surprise, but one that any political observer can understand the reasoning behind.  His constituents are becoming more and more democrat, and he wouldn't have won a bid back to the Senate the next time around, so he figure he'd "switch teams" and join the team that's currently winning in the United States; because everyone always wants to play fora winner right?!  In regards to the state of the party system, I don't really think it shows too much other than the fact that campaigns are becoming more and more candidate centered; something we already knew.

Fiorina would probably suggest this switch wasn't actually necessary, since America isn't actually as polarized as most think when looking at the choices and stances they make.  But when looking at the actual decisions they make, the switch probably was necessary.  The reason something like this is possible is because Sen. Specter made a clear statement that he has little principles and cares more about winning; when the going gets tough, the tough get going, not quit like Sen. Specter.  Whether or not this actually works for him is still up in the air however, as the Dem's are now saying they will most likely put up someone to challenge him in the primaries, as well as Congressional Dem's already saying they arent all too excited about the switch.

Sen. Specter's Party Switch Upends Pennsylvania Politics Heading Into Election

I'm sure someone else will post this story as well, but this is a HUGE news story in terms of Washington politics and the Dem's possibly getting a Super Majority now and even more so the fact he has had an "R" by his name for 30 years and now all of a sudden he's switching.  My question is what happens 7 years from now if he wins this time and decides to run again and at that time the Dem's aren't doing well; will he switch sides again?!  This also takes into account ideas we've touched on in class dealing w/ candidate-centeredness; this move is clearly about him wanting to continue as a career politician because he knew he wouldn't have even made it out of the primary this election season, so by ruthlessly switching he increased his chances of being able to continue on in the Senate, sacrificing his principles I feel all just so he can win, because apparently that's more important to him.