NEWSMAX.COM

According to the popular conservative web site, Senator Arlen Specter reiterated Monday that he felt passage of the legislation was more important than protecting his Senate seat.
"Had there been no stimulus, I think we'd have gone right off the edge," he said. "I think we're pretty close to the edge anyway, to be very brutally blunt about it."

WATCHDOG: The issue wasn't whether there would be a "stimulus" bill, but its nature.

As much as the Watchdog deplores cutting taxes for the richest 5% during good times, it recognizes the validity during a sharp recession of reducing taxes for the working classes as the speediest and most efficient way to bring immediate stimulus to the economy.

That was the heart of the Republican position and perhaps deserved another week of discussion and negotiation. Specter probably had good reasons for breaking with his party and supporting the bill. But he hasn't stated one yet. And to have a chance in the Republic primary, he may need to.