I personally think that the GOP is playing with flamethrowers when it comes to the moderates. In their hubris driven gloating, they're pissing off the less conservative wing of the party. Eventually the chickens may come home to roost, and I want to be around when it happens.
Here's a rundown
1. Arlen Specter(PA): This term was supposed to be Arlen's swan song as he attained the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee which he has long wanted. If the fundys force him to abdicate that, I think there'll be consequences. I don't think he'd switch, but he might just throw in the towel and leave at the age of 80. That would leave Governor Ed Rendell in a position to appoint a Democrat to the seat.
- Arlen Specter(PA): This term was supposed to be Arlen's swan song as he attained the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee which he has long wanted. If the fundys force him to abdicate that, I think there'll be consequences. I don't think he'd switch, but he might just throw in the towel and leave at the age of 80. That would leave Governor Ed Rendell in a position to appoint a Democrat to the seat.
- Lincoln Chafee(RI): From the way he's been talking lately, I sense that he's waiting for the Republican leadership to pick a fight with him so that he has a popular reason to switch over.
- Olympia Snowe(ME): She's up for re-election in 2006 and like Specter, might decide that it's not worth it anymore and return home to Maine to run for Governor, making the seat open for Democratic Rep. Tom Allen to take the seat.