As anyone reading this already knows, Arlen Specter (R D, PA) bailed on the Republican party and is now a Democrat. Considering he was projected to lose the Republican primary because of his support of government bailouts, this reeks more of desperation to keep his job rather than an inspirational awakening. In his defense, he has always been a moderate Republican. However, the bold and respectable move would have been to run as an Independent rather than outright joining the Democrats.

Despite his personal ambitions, I think this move shows the ugly underbelly of the GOP. With comments like “take McCain with you” from Rush, the GOP clearly has internal issues. Many of us have seen this civil war brewing and this may be the first domino to fall. The Republicans are having an identity crisis: one side embraces socially conservative ideals at any cost (no stem cell research, no gay marriage) while the other side embraces fiscal responsibility with moderate social views. With increasing support for social policies such as gay marriage, some Republicans are finding themselves in a tight situation. If they choose to speak against conservative ideals and lean towards the center on social issues, they face serious and angry rhetoric from within their own party. These Republicans find themselves apologizing to the social conservatives so much that the Democrats have begun to mock them about it.

The first battle has already begun. In response to Rush Limbaugh’s statements for John McCain and his daughter Megan to follow Specter’s lead, Megan has responded to her quickly growing supporters saying “RED TILL I’M DEAD BABY!!!”. Megan represents a new breed of Republicans that echo similar ideals of Modern Whigs, a socially liberal but fiscally responsible government. However, starting an internet battle with the most popular Republican media host is not a good way to change the party. If this battle continues (and I think it will) it will split the Republicans even more leaving many people with a bad taste for an already unpopular party.

The silver lining in this mess? The Modern Whig Party. Listen up socially moderate Republicans, we know what you are looking for. A government that won’t bailout a failing industry or oust a CEO at will but believes in mainstream American policies, none of that typical fringe third-party stuff. A fiscally responsible government that can see our nation’s future in alternative energy. One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. Socially moderate Republicans, you are our treasure. Visit the Modern Whig Party website for more info.