Is it time for Specter to retire?

[howaboutme]

He would do Pennsylvanians and Democrats a huge favor if he just retired. He is too old and his health too susceptible to a relapse. He has been treated twice for his lymphoma and it is currently in remission. We need a vigorous US Senator to represent us that is clear on the issues.

Arlen at 80 years old has had his time (30 years as US Senator) to make his mark "serving the public" as they like to tout and claim, with tongue in cheek. Most importantly he is a true lightning rod for the Republicans and his presence will bring out their vote and it could easily result in a win for Toomey. He almost lost to Toomey in the 2004 Republican Primary.

I've known staffers that worked for him in the past and their main gripe was that he was interested only in Arlen. He put his arrogant pompous ego first, while the constituents were considered of little concern. Arlen has always been about positioning himself to get reelected, and not about Pennsylvania.

[daviddiano]

1. Specter at 80, sounds like Sestak at 57

I've known staffers that worked for Sestak in the past and their main gripe was that he was interested only in Joe. He put his arrogant pompous ego first, while the constituents were considered of little concern. Joe has always been about positioning himself to get reelected, and not about Pennsylvania.

[howaboutme]

6. Electability is the issue

You are totally correct, the hearsay could be applicable to both.

My point is that Sestak is far more electable than Specter.

Specter as a long time Philadelphia Republican machine politician will neither motivate Democrats nor Independents. He barely won his own Party nomination in 04. He has far too much baggage at a time when the electorate is incensed with the shenanigans of mainstream politicians and lifelong political hacks and Congress.

The same situation as in NJ where Sen. Lautenburg faces health problems, and would be replaced by a Republican governor could happen in PA if Specter can't complete his term. Gov. Rendell has had his problems and has not been perceived as an especially effective efficient Governor by many Pennsylvanians. Unless things change, Democrats face an uphill battle in 2012 to retain the Governorship.

[blue neen]

2. I will give Specter props for signing onto the Public Option letter.

He did put his neck out there.

[JPZenger]

3. Dems Afraid Lautenberg will be replaced by Republican

A similar situation exists right now in NJ. Many Dems are fearful that Lautenberg will not be able to finish his term because of old age and health problems. The Republican Gov. can appoint anyone he wants. A similar situation could exist with Specter, who would be 89 at the end of his term. Or, we may have a situation like Harry Byrd or Johnson of S. Dakota who couldn't show up for many votes.

[PADEMJES12]

4. your numbers?

Specter would be 86, not 89 as you say. He just turned 80 and terms are six years.
Im sure Specter would be able to show up for more votes than Sestak has.
Heck, we have that situation now with Sestak and he's only what 57 or 58.

http://noshowjoe.org/

In all fairness it was there :)

[JPZenger]

5. Correction, I meant 87 not 89

[Cosmocat]

7. People want to be "pragmatic" about Specter ,,,

thinking he is the "best chance" to win, but they have to wrap their heads around this. He will be a good dem until midnight on may 18th ...

IF HCR, the jobs bill or whatever is still in the works, they dems have Specter by the short hairs for the next three months ... But, make no mistake, the moment he wakes up the day after the primary, the swarmy doucehbag will be in general election mode, and will be what he always has been, a guy who votes R 90% of the time ...

If you are SURE he will beat Toomey, you have to live with it, but I am not sure, and frankly would rather take my chances with a guy like Sestak who is going to be, you know an actual dem ...

Went to a party get together in my area sunday, and the sestak rep said something pretty simple, but pretty darn clear - when Sestak registered, he registed as a democrat ... Specter has blown with the wind ...

[Glassunion]

8. Yes...

He did nothing but a dis-service to the Democratic Party more than when he pulled a turn-coat and became one. Overall, he is a career politician, and I can't stand a career politician.