Specter's defection inches Democrats closer to a filibuster-proof majority

Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania surprised many in the political community Tuesday, April 28 when he announced he would run as a Democrat instead of a Republican in the primary next year. Many Democrats were delighted, but Republicans vented frustration, anger, or sentiments of good riddance Wednesday.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chair of the Nation Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSCC) tried to quell his obvious disappointment by issuing a statement expressing renewed concern and calling on voters to reissue checks and balances to the government.

Under the assumption that Al Franken will be the new senator from Minnesota, the Democrats will now have 60 of 100 seats in the Senate. This means, there is less potential for a Republican filibuster which is used to delay votes. It is this which Cornyn is referring.

Rush Limbaugh expressed feigned pleasure. He even went as far to say to take McCain as well. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) expressed frustration with her own Republican Party in an Op-Ed. for the New York Times. She stated, "It is true that being a Republican moderate sometimes feels like being a cast member of Survivor - you are presented with multiple challenges, and you often get the distinct feeling that you're no longer welcome in the tribe. But it is truly a dangerous signal that a Republican senator of nearly three decades no longer felt able to remain in the party."

After this surprise article, Minority Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with Sen. Snowe. CQ Politics reported that the meeting was to allow her to vent her frustration and provide the opportunity for her to give suggestions for how to help revive the "Republican brand."

Sen. Specter gave reasons for joining the Democratic Party. Already, he was facing a tough primary battle in Pennsylvania. Since switching, polls indicate calmer political waters for the aging senator. In his remarks, he stated his belief that the Republicans had move too far to the right and he was feeling pressure to vote and participate in party politics instead of what he felt was good for the country.

Not all Democrats are happy with Reid's apparent deal with Specter. While no committee chairmanships were guaranteed, Specter will keep his status of seniority. The Senate used seniority to rank a senator's influence. Generally, chairmanships are awarded to the senior member.

The Republicans continue to have troubles of their own. Specter is not the only Republican to switch parties. Many citizens in his state of Pennsylvania switched parties in order to vote in the presidential primaries last year and have stayed with the Democrats.

Justice David Souter of the Supreme Court informed President Barack Obama of his decision to retire at the end of the court's current session this June. President Obama surprised White House Press Corps. as he interrupted Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to inform the press of his conversation with Souter. In his brief remarks, Obama indicated qualities for which he will seek in Souter's replacement. "I will seek somebody with a sharp ad independent mind, and a record of excellence and integrity. I will seek someone who understands that justice isn't just some abstract rule in legal theory or footnote in a casebook; it is also about how our laws affect people in their daily lives….I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with people's hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving at just decisions and outcomes." Vice President Joe Biden has been placed in charge of gathering names for potential nominees for the President.

Indeed, for Republicans, it has not been a good week. President Obama observed his 100th day. They lost one of their own in the Senate. Further, the third branch of government will likely not see another strict constructionist placed under this president. It has been a fascinating week in politics and perhaps one for the history books, but it is one the Republican Party likely wants to forget.