Sen. Arlen Specter isn't inconsistent -- he merely follows the political winds, no matter how they're blowing. His latest shift: He now wants to help labor bosses start more unions.As a liberal Republican in 2007, Specter backed the Employee Free Choice Act, a cynically named bill labor was pushing because it would ban secret ballots, making it harder for coerced workers to resist organizing drives.
Then, feeling heat from the right -- in the form of a primary challenge -- Specter decided it best to oppose the bill, and quickly flip-flopped.
But then the winds shifted yet again: Having switched parties, Specter's now facing a challenge from his left -- from Democratic Rep. Joseph Sestak.
But, hey -- no problem for Specter. He's now back to pandering to the left -- to the very same labor bosses, in fact, whom he once betrayed on the "Free Choice" bill.
This time, Specter wouldn't ban secret ballots, but only require fast-track elections: If even a small group of workers petitions to unionize, an election would have to be scheduled within a week.
Labor bosses believe the short timetable would let them quickly ram through more votes in favor of organizing. Never mind any debate -- or even thoughtful consideration of the issue.
For Specter, it's the politics that count. If you want to know where he'll be on the issue next week, check with the weatherman.