Mitch McConnell, leader of a Republican minority that is now even smaller, suggested Tuesday that Sen. Arlen Specter's defection endangered not just the party, but the entire country.
"I think the threat to the country presented by this defection really relates to the issue of whether or not in the United States of America our people want the majority to have whatever it wants without restraint, without a check or a balance," McConnell said Tuesday.
"Obviously, we are not happy that Senator Specter has decided to become a Democrat," McConnell said. "If we are not successful in Minnesota ... Democrats, at least on paper, will have 60 votes. I think the danger of that for the country is that there won't automatically be an ability to restrain the excess that is typically associated with big majorities and single-party rule."
Watch:
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn struck a similar note, saying voters in 2010 would have the choice between "potentially unbridled Democrat super-majority versus the system of checks-and-balances that Americans deserve.
The NRSC followed suit, saying "good riddance" to Specter and bashing the former Republican for giving the Democras a "blank check."
Today, Senator Arlen Specter switched his party affiliation to the Democrat Party. I hope you will join me in saying "Good Riddance."
Don't give Democrats a blank check, support the NRCC
While today's party switch underscores how well Specter will fit in with his new Democrat colleagues, this act of political self-interest comes at a very serious cost. If Democrats succeed in stealing the election in Minnesota they will have a filibuster proof majority in the Senate. This would amount to a blank check for Democrats to continue spending trillions of your tax dollars with ZERO accountability.
This supposedly was a concern for Specter when last month he stated:
"I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role, a more important role, to play there. The United States very desperately needs a two-party system. That's the basis of politics in America. I'm afraid we are becoming a one-party system... I think as a governmental matter, it is very important to have a check and balance." - Sen. Arlen Specter, 3/17/09
But like his principles, I guess this no longer applies.
Don't give Democrats a blank check, support the NRCC
Now, your support for House Republicans matters more than ever. Since taking power in 2007, Democrats have worsened the culture in Washington, while strapping this country with trillions in new debt and crushing tax hikes on all Americans.
Remember, it was the House Republicans who stood in unison to oppose the so-called "stimulus" and the budget.
Don't give Democrats a blank check, support the NRCC
Now more than ever, it is important to elect principled, fiscally responsible Republicans. Help us send Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Arlen Specter a message by supporting the NRCC as we work to elect Republicans like you and me.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Guy Harrison, Executive Director
P.S. Americans deserve Representatives who put principles first. Please support the NRCC as we work to rid Washington of self-interested Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and turncoats like Arlen Specter.
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