Republican National Committee Michael Steele accused Specter of jumping before he was pushed:
Let’s be honest-Senator Specter didn’t leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record.
Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don’t do it first.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have stripped Specter of his seniority and told the 79-year-old to wait his turn.
Now, progressives want a piece of Specter. They are casting about for a challenger to the Republican-turncoat-turned-Democrat.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee is polling the Netroots about whether Rep. Joseph Sestak should be drafted to take on Specter in the Democratic primary. Adam Green wrote:
Until now, political insiders have attempted to clear the field for Specter.
This Straw Poll is about giving the grassroots a meaningful voice in the primary process and seeing if any consensus exists about the most talked-about potential challenger, Representative and retired admiral Joe Sestak.
Sestak may be ready to take on the party. He told Politico:
I owe it to the Democratic establishment to listen and watch what happens, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with them. I really respect the president but at the end of the day I know, because of the man he is, he will respect what Pennsylvanians decide.
For Specter, the party is already over.
