Arlen Specter Does It Again

Sen. Specter (D-PA) appears to have changed his position on the Employee Free Choice Act, yet again. In 2007, Specter- then a Republican- was the lone member of the GOP to support EFCA. Of course, with just 51 Democrats at the time passage of EFCA seemed highly unlikely. Its possible Specter voted to appease the unions knowing it would not pass.

However, by spring 2009 the prospects of EFCA clearing the Senate looked more likely as all eyes began to look toward Specter. Still a Republican, Specter was gearing up to face a conservative challenger in the 2010 primary. In hopes to satisfying conservatives, Specter announced that would not support EFCA in its current form. Specter failed to win approval from conservatives, and he quickly bolted for the friendly confines of the Democratic Party. The day Specter announced the switch he specifically made reference to EFCA, saying he is still opposed to it.

That opposition appears to have diminished in light of another primary challenge- this time from the left in the Democratic primary. Sensing unrest from his new base, last week Specter announced he will now support cloture on EFCA. What changed? New polls showing Specter locked in a tight race with Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA).

Despite Specter’s reversal, EFCA still appears to be on the backburner in 2009. Not only have several moderate Democrats expressed reservation to the bill, but it looks like the Obama administration has its hands full with trying to pass healthcare legislation.