Notice one thing that does not appear to be a consideration for a Senator who just shy of 80 and has had many serious health issues - notice that Specter has not openly considered retiring? Notice the pundits don't even bring it up.
It's not just a Republican thing either. Byrd should be retired. And when the writing is on the wall for those who abuse power - like the GOP sex addicts who CAMPAIGN on not being sex addicts or Democrats who hide money in their freezers or use Illinois as their money making machine...
Retire? Leave office? Nope. No way. Go to hell. Fuck off.
This is sick.
In this case, we are talking about a Senator for what 40 years?? Who is or will be 80 or so at that the start of his next tenure if he wins.
Yes I realize that my comments put many good people like Senator Kennedy into the same boat, but he was very capable until last summer and some people are special leaders so I don't think it's the same thing.
Specter is no Kennedy.
There should be a few Elder statesmen in Congress (like Kennedy), but it should not be the norm of Congress and many who are old, are not statesmen.
It is odd to me that this question is not asked. In almost every other position, there is the reality to retire. For most people, it's before 70, let alone 80 or 90.
Isn't it warped that an 80 year old wants to cling to power so bad that he will switch parties...???