CNN is now reporting that Democrats have reversed themselves and acquiesced to Arlen Specter's 2010 Senate aspirations by giving him a Chairmanship on a prime Judiciary subcommittee.
It amazes me that Senate Democrats can't even stand up for themselves with 60 votes. We will see if this was all just kabuki or if they were punk'd as usual by Republicans, this time one that happens to have changed to a Democrat.
Update [2009-5-7 11:41:9 by justmy2]: CNN Headline:
Ticker: Dems pacify GOP defector
For those asking what is the big deal, it is the optics of changing your mind after two days more than the actual chairmanship that I submit should be the concern.
I will update as details are published.
Update [2009-5-7 11:41:9 by justmy2]: Details are starting to come in...
Under the deal, which Senate Democratic aides outlined this morning, Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) would give up the gavel of the prestigious post, which holds jurisdiction over most Justice Department activities. Durbin would take over a newly restored human rights subcommittee, which was dissolved at the beginning of the current 111th Congress because none of the committee members were available to run it.
Specter would not regain his seniority on the committee, at least until after the 2010 election, aides said, but they said he is pleased with the outcome. Senate Democrats readily endorsed the proposal, aides said. As one Democratic staffer put it, "What we don't want is an angry former Republican during a Supreme Court hearing."
Ahh...the fresh smell of appeasement in the morning.
One has to wonder if this is an olive branch, and Democrats believe they still have enough leverage to make Specter toe the line. I am sure analysis is on the way. Please continue the dialogue below.
Update [2009-5-7 11:41:9 by justmy2]:More from the CNN story:
A Democratic leadership source, who did not want to speak on the record about internal Democratic dynamics, also told CNN that Democrats decided to do this for Specter for two main reasons.
First, they want Specter to win re-election, and this gives him a powerful legislative perch from which to run. Second, the Senate Judiciary Committee is about to deal with a new Supreme Court nomination.
"The last thing we want is a disgruntled Democrat at the end of the dais," this Democratic source told CNN.