OK, so everyone knows that Specter is switching parties.
We also know that he is running for reelection in 2010, and switched because he was trailing wingnut Pat Toomey by 20+%.
Doubtless, as a result of his switch, there will be pressure from the establishment not to field a challenger in the primary against him.
I think that there should be a contested primary, for the following reasons:
- Specter is really more of an Apparachik than anything else, why else run for reelection after 5 terms and cancer, and we can do better.
- This makes the Republican primary wide open, and some so-called moderate will end up running against Toomey, which means that if there is an uncontested primary, the Republicans get all the press coverage for about 2 months.
- Because it's a sword over his head if he ever decides to vote for cloture.
- Because it might get him to vote the right way on the EFCA.
- Because I just don't like him.
Of course, YMMV,