Specter is not gay lest the title mislead you. But he is a shameless opportunist. Originally a Democrat, he became a Republican senator and this year switched back to a Democrat giving the party the crucial filibuster-proof (in theory) in the Senate. Specter did not even bother with some lofty explanation for his switch from being a Republican to a Democrat while serving in office - i.e.”The Republican party has moved to the right and I feel out of place,” or something along those lines). No, Specter blatantly stated that his chances for reelection as a Republican were slim in 2010 given that he will face a conservative primary challenge (as he did in 2004) and will likely lose such an election. So his entire political flip was due to nothing more than his bottomless desire to remain in power. Honest, yes. Opportunist, yes.

Although Specter no longer has to worry about a challenge from the right, he will face one form the left. Many liberal Democrats did not welcome Specter the way the cynical party establishment - which values power (or perception of) over principle - did and still are lukewarm toward him given that Specter still holds many views in conflict with liberal orthodox. But never underestimate Specter’s willingness to change his “values” in the pursuit of power.

Facing a Democratic primary challenge from the left in the form of Congressman Joe Sestak, Specter has recently come out, no pun intended, in favor of repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA was enacted to prohibit the federal recognition of gay marriage and to defend the rights of states to refuse to recognize gay marriages signed in other states (most stated have double-downed on DOMA since then by passing anti-gay marriage constitutional amendments).

Specter only made his statement after Sestak endorsed repel, but the gravity of the opportunism extends beyond that. Specter voted for DOMA in 1996 and when facing the aforementioned Republican primary challenge Specter proposed solidifying DOMA further by making it a constitutional amendment. Specter has never championed gay rights before, and has voted to deny gays employees equal federal benefits.

And now the opportunist speaks:

“Enacted 13 years ago when the idea of same sex marriage was struggling for acceptance, the Act is a relic of a more tradition-bound time and culture.

Connecticut, Iowa, and Massachusetts have already passed laws recognizing same sex marriage and other states are moving in that direction. The states are the proper forum to address this divisive social and moral issue, not the Federal Government with a law that attempts to set one national standard for marriage.”

Nice to know 13 years later...

This isn’t about the merits of DOMA, this isn’t my buff. My issue is just how much of a sleazy politician and opportunist Specter. Even if I agreed with him, I would never vote for someone who clearly does not believe in anything and will say anything. Specter is a five-term senator. Instead of seeking a sixth-term, he should just retire with dignity.