The more I think about the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee meeting over the weekend, the angrier I get. Party leaders can try to paper over Arlen Specter's record all they want, but here are some key facts to keep in mind:
Moved to the right in twelve consecutive Congresses: According to DW-nominate scores, Arlen Specter has become more right-wing in 13 consecutive Congresses, starting back during his first term in the early 1980's. Further, these same comprehensive scores place him significantly to the right of any other member of the Democratic Senate caucus. This includes Ben Nelson, who DW-nominate places 0.16 to the left of Specter on a -1.00 to +1.00 scale.
Long-time proponent of flat tax legislation: Ten weeks ago, and three days before Arlen Specter voted against President Obama's budget, he introduced legislation to dramatically cut taxes on wealthy Americans and raise them on poor Americans
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) today introduced legislation that would scrap the 17,000 pages of current IRS code in favor of a 20 percent flat tax for all individuals and businesses. The revenue-neutral legislation would allow tax-payers to file returns on a postcard that could be completed in 15 minutes.
"My flat tax legislation would make filing a tax return a manageable chore, not a seemingly endless nightmare, for most taxpayers," Senator Specter said. "This legislation will fundamentally revise the present tax code, with its myriad rates, deductions, and instructions."
This legislation would have cut taxes for people making over $372,000 a year by 15%, those making between $172,000 and $373,000 by 13%, those making between $83,000 and $172,000 by 8%. It would have raised taxes on those making less than $34,000 a year by 5-10% (see current federal income taxes). It would have dramatically cut federal revenue, and led to massive social program cuts (which is, I presume, why Specter voted against President Obama's budget). Further, as I point out below, Specter has actually been campaigning on this same flat-tax proposal at least 1995.
My commitment to America, is to replace a President who has been inattentive, inactive and indecisive when it comes to America's vital foreign policy interests.
I'm sure there are even more choice quotes than that, but the Internet wasn't very developed back then. Anyway, I can only guess that by not challenging George W. Bush in the same way, Specter approved of his foreign policy.
Prior to the vote on the Military Commissions Act of 2006, he [Specter] went to the floor of the Senate and said what the bill "seeks to do is set back basic rights by some 900 years" and is "patently unconstitutional on its face." He then proceeded to vote YES on the bill's passage.
Sounds like someone you can count on to do the right thing.
Used Bush and Santorum in 2004 campaign ads: Here is a classic Specter campaign ad:
This was only five years ago. You simply can't trust Specter.
Anita Hill: Remember Specter on Anita Hill?
Senator Arlen Specter, the Republican of Pennsylvania who had questioned Ms. Hill gently on Friday, told the hearing today that she was guilty of "flat-out perjury." He also told reporters outside the hearing room that he had "demolished her credibility" during the hearings on Friday.
Women make up 58% of the Pennsylvania primary electorate, by the way.
It is disturbing to think about all of this, and then to remember the state committee giving him multiple standing ovations. We must not become a party that defends the center-right status quo and accumulates power within that status quo for its own sake. By supporting Arlen Specter, I fear that is exactly what we are becoming.
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