Draft Joe Sestak?

Click here and take the straw poll. The specific question is, "Should a Draft Sestak movement be created to take on Sen. Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary?" The broader question is whether the progressive netroots community is enthused - and, if so, to what extent - about a primary challenge to this newly-declared Democrat (possibly in name only). Does the potential exist for a challenge to Specter like the netroots helped organize against Joe Lieberman in Connecticut in 2006?

Anyway, here's your chance to weigh in. Personally, I started off mildly positive about Specter's switch from "R" to "D" but have not been thrilled by several things I've seen since then, including Specter's statement of support for Norm Coleman against Al Franken(!!). More broadly, believe that primaries are almost always healthy for the party, the way we fight for its progressive heart and soul. In that context, I definitely think that a challenge by Joe Sestak to Arlen Specter is at least worth thinking about.

Primary Arlen Specter

Despite my initial positive reaction, I have quickly come to the view that Arlen Specter needs to be primaried. This is why I say that.

Specter - "There's still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner."

Excuse me? Last I checked, Norm Coleman (R) lost that race to Al Franken (D) and is simply dragging out the inevitable in the courts. What the hell is Arlen Specter (Supposed "D") talking about?!?

Also, I agree with Kos' analysis:

So let's do the math -- in just a week as a Democrat, Specter voted against Obama's budget, said he wouldn't be a loyal Democrat, came out against Obama's health care plan, reiterated his opposition to EFCA, and said he's rooting for the Minnesota courts to overturn the will of the voters and re-seat Republican Norm Coleman.

And, as if all THAT is not enough, "Specter said Tuesday he regrets his vote against Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) two decades ago that helped kill his nomination to the federal bench."

Get this guy outta here.

UPDATE: Consequences for Specter? Also, thank you Joe Sestak!

Olympia Snowe Questions "Future Viability" of GOP

Great job, guys, keep it up and drive Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) out of your party too! Ha. :)

Also, note Sen. Snowe's comments that the Republican Party's philosophy has "disaffected and alienated so many Americans including mainstream Republicans who have left our party," resulting in "serious and profound questions about the future viability of the Republican Party."