That said; have you ever considered that PA may be turning blue precisely because of attitudes like yours …? It is entirely valid for Democrats to bluster that such-and-such Republican is “too conservative” to represent a particular state, but when other Republicans are adding their voices to the same chorus …?

The fact that whole of New England has no Republicans representing it in the House is as a result of Rockefeller Republicans stupidly following Democrats in declaring that conservatism was out of step with the region. They thought they were insulating themselves instead of also staining themselves with the same “too conservative” brush.

Here’s the reality check; if you want PA to start voting Red, perhaps the best approach would be to field candidates that do not act as if holding mainstream Republican views is akin to being a pedophile. Swing voters respond to confidence and strength of conviction – the Rockefeller Republican’s typical flustered attempts to distance himself from the rest of the GOP (i.e. “I’m not like those other Republicans – I’m a moderate! Reagan sucks!”) doesn’t portray either.

We could pretty much gather that. Your best defense of Arlen Sphincter is that he’s “better than a Democrat”.

Yeah well, we got a prime chance to upgrade. To render a “me too” to what Martin said, I would add that PA is only nominally blue. It ain’t frakking Massachussetts. A strong, articulate, fearless conservative can win there. The way Obama keeps jacking with the economy, all those little incentives for centrists to stay with his agenda in 2010 are drying up. It is a time to take back territory, not a time to retrench.

“I am not ready to hand Democrats another senate seat on principle.”

Another moderate Republican that stands for….nothing.

“It is easy to be tolerant of the principles of other people if you have none of your own.”

Herbert Samuel

Guess I am not the only one who reasons Specter as the best shot at holding PA. Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, issued his firm support of Sen. Arlen Specter today.

“As I survey the political landscape of the upcoming 2010 elections, it’s clear we need more candidates that fit their states,” Cornyn wrote. “While I doubt Arlen could win an election in my home state of Texas, I am certain that I could not get elected in Pennsylvania. I believe that Senator Specter is our best bet to keep this Senate seat in the GOP column. A vote for Arlen Specter is a vote for denying Harry Reid and the Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate.”

I personally will be donating 3/4 ths of my donations to Toomey to WIPE OUT that PIG of man Specter. He makes a great liberal and should just call himself such. It is literally the lying about one’s party id that kills me. Republicans are not and should not be in the habit of helping any President SPEND billions on a lie called “stimulas”. GOOD BYE Specter what a waste of the Republican Brand!

It would make an example for all the other politicians who are primarily motivated by getting re-elected instead of standing for conservative principles.

I would say that America is better served by having 42 Senators with principaled conservative stands and spines than 52 Republican squishes. Having Toomey ensure that Specter will not be re-elected should help ensure that other Republicans grow spines and follow conservative principles better.

And, as Martin pointed out, Rick Santorum, a solid principled conservative has won Senate races in Pennsylvania TWICE. So Toomey may well have an excellent chance of winning the general election. If Santorum can do it, so can Toomey [or maybe Santorum could be the nominee].

And you can go with him.

I want to make a special note here that I have no particular problem with the ME girls, I’m even willing to send them money. The only money I’d ever spend on Specter would be for flowers.

As a PA voter, I’m aware of the reality that PA is a blue state and as of the last election, appears to have gotten more blue. That said, nothing is worse than having a Republican so consistently go against his base. Specter made the stimulus bill possible – one less vote and it wouldn’t have passed. Watching him support such a horrible monstrosity was too much for me.

If he wins the primary I will not vote for him. I’d rather have a democrat.