Specter move caught GOP leaders by surprise

[jefferson_dem]

Specter move caught GOP leaders by surprise
By Alexander Bolton
Posted: 04/28/09 01:26 PM

Senate Republican leaders said they had received no heads-up from Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.) about his decision to leave the Republican Party and run for reelection as a Democrat.

Specter told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) late Monday that he would leave the ranks of the GOP to caucus with Democrats, giving them control of 59 Senate seats.

Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pa.) told reporters that Specter altered him of the switch during a phone call Tuesday morning.

Republican leaders, however, said they were unaware of Specter’s decision as late as noontime Tuesday as they walked into an emergency meeting in Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) office.

A GOP aide said that lawmakers were called to McConnell’s office for an emergency meeting but not told of the subject. McConnell barred his colleagues' staff members from attending.

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, was still not aware that Specter had made a final decision as he walked to McConnell’s office.

“It’s all just rumors now,” said Cornyn at noon.

Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) professed complete ignorance of Specter’s switch: “I don’t know anything about it.”

Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) also said he had not yet heard of Specter’s move by noon.

Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), a de facto member of the GOP leadership, said he was "completely surprised."

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http://thehill.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81944&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=70

[hobbit709]

1. So they were clueless about this?

At least they're consistent on the clueless part.

[Hippo_Tron]

2. You mean to tell me that the Republic Party didn't have a clue?

I'm shocked I tell ya!

[AtomicKitten]

3. Good. I like surprises. n/t

[Cha]

4. Why tell the reasons you finally left ..

the good news about your future?