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    Forget Changing Parties, Why Won't Specter Go Home?

    Posted Wednesday, April 29, 2009 12:06 PM | By June Thomas
    So, one day after Sen. Arlen Specter transitioned from R to D, the consensus seems to be that he gave President Obama the best 100-days-in-office gift ever. For all the reasons Slate's John Dickerson pointed out, it's a canny move for Specter, who knew he faced real trouble in Pennsylvania's 2010 Republican primary. But here's what I don't get: Why is Specter, who'll be 80 years old by the time next year's races roll around, so determined to serve another six years? He has famously survived several serious illnesses, including cancer—twice. Perhaps it's because I can't imagine working until 80, much less vying for one of the most competitive jobs in the world at that age, but I just don't get why Specter finds the prospect of pottering and porch-swinging so unattractive.


    Clearly, in a democracy, the voters get to decide if they're comfortable electing an oldster to represent their interests. Just as clearly, the seniority system puts a premium on experience. Still, some of these guys are too old to drive cars—yet we're happy to have them drive the ship of state?

    Between the senior citizens on the Supreme Court and the geezers in Congress, I'm starting to wonder if there's something in the D.C. air. But we're in a recession: Let's open up some jobs for younger people.

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