With today's hilarious news that Arlen Specter has jumped from his sinking ship to our fine vessel, there has been a bit of disappointment that he hasn't also flipped on the Employee Fair Choice Act. Well, I just wanted to post a short diary to remind everyone that we don't need that. If Arlen Specter thinks he needs to cast his vote against it for whatever reason, who cares. We already have well over 50 votes. We just need him to flip on cloture.
There is no reason for him not too. At some point in the debate, it's going to become obvious that everyone who has something to say has said it. And that those who continue to vote against cloture are doing nothing but obstructing the will of the majority. At that point, you just might see old Arlen flip.
All it would take is a simple statement such as "it is obvious that discussion is over and it's time to vote. I do not agree with this bill, but I also do not agree with deadlocking the Senate over this difference of opinion. President Obama won the election, he deserves fair up or down votes on his agenda. So I will be voting to end debate, and then voting with my heart against the bill.
Now, that may not be likely. I'd wager it more likely that minor alterations are made so that he can totally flip while having a reason. But if not, lets not let ourselves die on the shore of getting Arlen's vote on EFCA. Lets fight the battle of getting his vote for cloture.