>>>Voting-wise he left the party long ago. ;)
>>
>>More likely the party left him. In this part of the country (middle Atlantic up to New England), there used to be plenty of moderate Republicans. But the right wing of the Republican party decided to attack those people, and drive them out, either out of office or out of the party. There are no longer any Republicans in the House from New England, not even in Connecticut, which, IIRC, is the wealthiest state. As of this year, two Senators, both moderates from Maine.
>>
>>Personally, I'm happy to see the Republican party, as it now stands, continue to marginalize itself. When they start listening to thinkers again, they'll have a national role again.
>>
>>>
>>>Looking to avoid the primary.
>>>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2009/04/pa_sen_poll_specter_down_21.html
>>>
>>>Despicable, classless, fraudulent...typical politician.
>>
>>Seems far more classless and fraudulent to stay in a party that stands for things you despise just for political reasons than to switch to a party you agree with more.
>>
>>Tamar
>
>The same thing is happening in Montana. Moderate Republicans are NOT welcome.
>http://www.helenair.com/articles/2008/06/08/top/75st_080608_chuck.txt

It's happening across the country. The interesting question is what the long-term effect will be. There are several states now where independents are the majority or close to it. Will we see the demise of the existing political parties, or a new centrist party emerge, or a change in philosophy of one or both parties, or something else entirely?

Tamar