Barring any unexpected, last-minute developments, the GOP will have a 55-44-1 majority in Congress' upper chamber. After President Bush and Vice President Cheney helped Pennsylvania's senior Senator Arlen Specter fend off a strong primary challenge from conservative Pat Toomey, Specter has decided to bite the hand that feeds him.

Specter, as presumptive chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, suggested that he would block any Bush nominee to the Supreme Court who opposed abortion rights. Reiterating his position that a woman's right to choose is "inviolate," he said overturning Roe v. Wade today would be akin to trying to reverse Brown v. Board of Education, the court's 1954 landmark desegregation decision.

Barring unforeseen GOP objections, Specter, 74, should assume the committee chairmanship in January. He also sent an unsubtle message to the White House that he expects nominees for the federal bench to be of the highest caliber, and took a critical swipe at the stature of the current court. [emphasis added]

Well, I think that the GOP should object. Specter can switch parties if he pleases -- we don't need him. Republicans can't accept a Pat Leahy-type obstructionist on the judiciary committee.

GOP chairman Bill Frist can be contacted at (202) 224-3344 or [email protected]. Let him know how you feel about Sen. Specter.