I wonder if Arlen Specter's switch, this time to the president's party, won't end up being bad for President Barack Obama and the Democrats. With the likely seating of Al Franken from Minnesota, Democrats will have 60 seats in the Senate, giving Obama unambiguous governing majorities in both bodies.
He'll be responsible for everything. GOP obstructionism will go away as an issue, and Democratic defections will become the constant worry and story line. This will make it easier for GOP candidates in 2010 to ask to be elected to help restore some checks and balances in Washington – and, meanwhile, Specter's party change probably won't have made much difference in getting key legislation passed or not.
So, losing Specter may help produce greater GOP gains in November 2010, and a brighter Republican future. Plus, now the Democrats have to put up with him.
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