The news shocked Senate Republicans, who had been hanging on to their ability to block legislation by a thread. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, called an emergency meeting of party leaders who had no forewarning of Mr. Specter’s plans.The Republican party has become a party that caters to right wing extremists. They force away moderates and even occasional moderates like Arlen Specter. Remember how RNC Chair Michael Steele threatened retribution against Specter, Snowe and Collins? GOP strategist Alex Castellanos mocked those three on CNN, too.
The Republicans forced Specter out.
UPDATE: CNN's Dana Bash said Republicans are "shell-shocked."
NOTE FROM JOHN: Funny, Joe mentioned Specter switching parties four days ago.
