Specter Targeted By Labor For First Time As Democrat (VIDEO)

For the first time since he switched political parties, Sen. Arlen Specter is being targeted in television advertisements by the progressive constituencies that could determine his primary election fate.

The pro-labor American Rights at Work released a new ad on Wednesday morning in which it lays out the case that Specter could breeze to the Democratic nomination in exchange for his vote on the Employee Free Choice Act.

"Specter usually does the right thing," the spot goes. "Two years ago he supported the Employee Free Choice Act, to help working people join together for fair pay and benefits. So now, where will Specter stand? With Obama, Biden, and the working families of Pennsylvania... Or with greedy CEOs, and Big Business lobbyists? Call and tell Specter Pennsylvania's for him.....As long as he's for the Employee Free Choice Act."

The ad reflects a growing effort on the part of Pennsylvania and national progressives to persuade the Republican-turned-Democrat to adopt more like-minded ideological positions. Some labor figures have gone so far as to dangle out the hopes of on-the-ground electoral help should Specter change his position on EFCA.

Union officials say, with sincerity, that at the end of the day they expect the Senator will support a compromise version of the Employee Free Choice Act despite having forcefully stated his opposition to the bill both as a member of the GOP and immediately upon switching parties. Ads like the one released by American Rights at Work are designed to grease the wheels.

The spot, a union official says, will run statewide on cable and broadcast television. It will be aired "at least" through the congressional recess at the end of May and "longer if need be."

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Comments

[ThinkCreeps]

Where does Specter stand? For Specter, the whole Specter and nothing but Specter.

[jojoe]

I have been involved in organizing and collective bargaining for over thirty years and I can tell you first hand how devious corporations can be to remain Union free, and even if the Union wins an election management drags its feet and doesn't negotiate in good faith. After one year without a contract many times the Union is decertified. Th Employee Free Choice Act must be passed if organized labor is to survive in this country. It's now or never. Democrats have the White Houe and both houses of congress. If we can't get it passed now, we never will. As far as Specter goes, if he doesn't rethink his possition and support the Act, he will surely face a priomary challange in which labor will support his opponent.

[loki]

Arlin Specter should be targeted and watched closely. He is up to no good. This man will should be lined up with Pelosi and Reid, and escorted from the halls of Congress never to return. It would be a great day for America. Then, we can start working on getting the rest of the Rethuglicans out of congress as well.

[GeoLee]

How did he vote on the interior secretary position?

[rain33]

agree! specter is going down!

[navalvet]

Sen. Specter has voted for labor's issues enough times to get union endorsements, even though he seems to be squarely in the center of the Senate on economic and social issues. Unions generally endorse old friends before endorsing new faces. Pennsylvania unions worked hard for Hillary, an old friend, then worked hard for Obama. EFCA is make or break for union support. If Arlen waters down the bill or votes for a filibuster, he won't be able to count on either labor endorsements or labor ground troops in the primary. Should unions endorse no candidate in the primary, Arlen suffers a setback. If the unions endorse Sestak, Arlen hasn't a chance. So I expect Arlen to come around to supporting an effective EFCA, but he won't be convincing enough to be endorsed over Sestak. Without those union ground troops, and with the stench of opportunism clinging to him, he faces a tough fight.

For liberal rankings in the Senate, see:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20090228_4726.php

[den1953]

You can't make the Democratic party in PA feel like a dumping point because you Mr. Spector can't get your own way so your going to con people into voting for you what happened to all those Republican votes you cast for BUSH? Until you can prove your trust with the Democratic Party in PA your not getting my vote because you can't win the Republican primary is not a good enough deed what about all the Republican people that backed you Mr. Spector?

[Adartist777]

As a Pennsylvanian, you either hate him or love him. But maybe we shouldn't jump the gun on Specter. He's a moderate, which is what we need in Congress. I have to admit that I've disagreed on a number of votes he's made, but, at the same time, I do see a man that votes his conscience, which is rare in Congress.

I know many put him down, but I've seen him vote against his own party a number of times.

In retrospect, he probably should have switched to being an Independent instead of being a Democrat.

[Bardmess]

Yes he should, but he didn't. If he can't support labor or public health insurance he can call himself anything he wants, he's still what he is.

[philss]

spector has neither a conscience or any morals
all spector cares about is his lust for power and to remain a senator
the rest is just stuff to confuse the voters of pennsylvania
I hope the democrats throw him out in the primary and nominate joe

[GeoLee]

I have watched him, too and on important issues he is with the GOP 90% of the time. He handed us the supreme court we have and it is hardly moderate...it is the most bro business court ever with every decision against the little workers and particularly women who have sued. He handled the water bucket for Alito, Roberts, and he backed all elements of th e Patriot act and all the illegal things being done by the Justice Department since 2001 and for a former prosecutor, he failed our country when we most needed his "moderation" to come out. As a Kansan, I am ashamed to asso9ciate myself with this other native son of Russell kansas. He and Dole both claim to be moderate, but their history rarely shows this when the really important and lawful issues come to the forefront. I will send money to any democratic candidate who runs against him and I hope Admiral Sestak does!

[junkfood]

Specter's career is over. Finished. Done. Good riddance.

[rinpochet]

A compromise written by the corporate-loving Specter and Weinstein is no bill at all.

PA should be voting for a REAL Democrat, not some political c.o.w.a.r.d. who switched parties only because he couldn't win on the Republican ticket.

PA should tell Specter to get lost. I am supporting Sestak who has ALWAYS been a Democrat in name and deed.

[VPN]

Regardless of how Specter votes on EFCA he needs to go, Democratic Pennsylvanians deserve better than always wondering if a wishy washy Senator may or may not support legislation that advances their Democratic principals.

[GeorgiaPat]

Good for PA....Let him know what you want. If he doesn't deliver, oh well!

[Travis bdboy]

U goin' down Specter