Time for Specter to go

How many times do we need to be treated to the "specter" of Arlen Specter crossing the aisle and helping Democrats get last little measure of support they need in order to defeat Republicans?

How often does this need to happen before the Pennsylvania GOP turns him out?

I suppose the answer is "more often", given that they re-nominated him (though barely, 51% to 49%) in 2004. But maybe...just maybe...now that we have a clearly defined opposition in the White House and the Congress (and thus less cover for RINOs), 2010 will be the year.

Rasmussen has a new poll that shows the folks back home are getting a little tired of his "moderate" ways.

Senator Arlen Specter is one of only three Republicans to support the economic stimulus bill in Congress, and the latest Rasmussen Reports survey in Pennsylvania shows that his position is costing him support back home.

Just 31% of Keystone State voters say are more likely to vote for Specter because of his position on the stimulus package while 40% are less likely to do so. ...

A look inside the numbers shows the problem for Specter may be even more significant. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Republican voters in the state are less likely to vote for Specter. Among voters not affiliated with either major party, just 27% are more likely to support the long-time incumbent while 48% are less likely to do so. ...

And meanwhile, what kind of thanks does Specter get for being so helpful to the Dems? Read on:

Even though Specter has aligned himself with the president and other Democrats on the stimulus, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has announced that the Pennsylvania Republican is one of their top targets for the 2010 election cycle.

Given that we're sure to have big, knock-down, drag-outs over issues like abortion (FOCA), amnesty for illegal aliens and card check for unions between now and next year, Specter will have what he will surely see as plenty more opportunities to suck up to liberals in Pennsylvania.

Paging Pat Toomey.