Two Comments

Check out what Arlen Specter has to say about Jack Kemp's passing.  I originally was not going to post about either event, but this article disgusted me enough and compelled me to comment.  I find it completely classless for people to advance their ideological or political opinions when someone leaves this world for a better place.  If Sen. Specter wants to hold onto his seat, he should quit suggesting that the Republican health care position killed Jack Kemp.  I wish Kemp was here to respond because a war of words and ideas would certainly ensue.

As everybody is probably aware of now, Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has decided to switch his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, and Jack Kemp, one of the most illustrious men to grace the conservative movement, has passed away after fighting cancer.

Senator Specter's official jump barely made a mark on my political radar because the man has not been much of a conservative.  A self-proclaimed moderate, he seems to vote with or capitulate to the holders of power in Congress.  Former Representative Pat Toomey's primary challenge scared Sen. Specter enough to try to save his electoral prospects.  Unfortunately for the Senator, the political breezes appear to point towards his demise no matter what party he belongs to.  Good luck Senator; at least you are honest about your reasons for holding political office.  In further related news, I am worried about the possible primary battle between Toomey, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, and Representative Jim Gerlach (PA-6).  I do not want a prolonged tug-of-war between three heavyweights, when we should be devoting resources against the Democratic nominee (who may or may not be Specter).

Finally, a few words for Jack Kemp, a great quarterback, Congressman, Secretary of HUD, Vice Presidential candidate and thinker.  His life has been a wonderful example of rising against the odds to bring forth new possibilities.  He is most well-known for the Kemp-Roth tax cut and his advocacy of supply-side economics.  May his work continue to influence current and future conservatives, and rest in peace.  He sure has earned it.