When I turned 18, I registered Republican and remained as a Republican until this election. I switched from Republican to Democrat so that I could vote for Barack Obama in the closed Pennsylvania Primaries. It's not news that I'm not alone in this party jumping in order to vote for a Democrat in the primary and perhaps remain as a Democrat because of what the Republican Party has become.
So, with that, I give you the letter I received from Senator Arlen Specter. I don't have a scanner, so I will have it typed out under the fold.
Dear ___,
We need you back... it's that simple.
The Pennsylvania Republican Party needs you back and I am writing today to extend my personal invitation for you to re-register as a member of the Republican Party.
Our communities, our state and our nation work best in a vibrant, two-party system -- a system which has served us well for hundreds of years.
I have fought over the years to maintain the core principles of our Party - less spending and lower taxes, limited government and individual liberty. But these core principles -- and our two-party system -- cannot be protected if you and others like you leave the Party for good.
So please use the enclosed voter registration form to re-register and come back to the GOP -- or you may download a registration form at www.VotesPa.com.
We need independent-minded voters like you in our Party who care about the important issues facing our country. I look forward to welcoming you back to our Party. Thank you.
With Best Regards,
Arlen Specter
P.S. Please take a moment today to complete and return the enclosed registration form so we can welcome you back to the GOP.
When I read this, I smiled a little. It's kind of funny. I wonder how many people have gotten similar letters? It seems a little desperate and I'm not sure if I should be insulted. Damn straight the Republicans need "independent-minded" voters, but I don't see how this should be a reason why to go back to the Republican Party. I also don't appreciate the subtle fear tactic in here that because I jumped parties, suddenly the two-party system is in trouble and therefore, the country is in trouble. I think our country is in a lot of trouble as a result of "Republican core principles."
I'm not even sure what he means by "Republican core principles." What are they anymore? Do I believe in them? Did I even believe in them in the first place?
The Pennsylvania primary was back in April. I had to switch parties about a month ahead of time, I think, in order to vote in the primary for a Democrat on the Democratic ballot. I have only received a letter like this NOW, this past week, in SEPTEMBER. The timing of this letter only adds to the desperate tone, I think. I don't appreciate it and I think I'll write a response.
Update: Edited as advised. Thanks for the help!