Specter Donors Want Their Money Back

How would you feel if you gave hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to a candidate of your party, only to see him suddenly switch sides? You might want that money back, which is now the case with many of Arlen Specter's recent campaign donors. Specter's office is fielding calls from individuals, corporations and even GOP political action committees demanding their donations be returned.

But not everyone wants a refund. Richard Ehst, an officer at Pennsylvania's Sovereign Bank, tells the Washington Times he gave Specter $250, and that the senator can keep it.

"The man has behaved more like a Democrat than a Republican for years," Mr. Ehst said. "I think moving across the aisle might better define where his allegiances are."

Specter has no legal obligation to give back any money -- once it's donated, it's the candidate's to keep -- but he promises to honor every request for a refund.

That isn't good enough for some Republicans. The chair of the Pennsylvania GOP, Robert A. Gleason Jr., wants the senator to refund all the cash voluntarily. (He's also demanding an apology from Specter to the state Republican Party. Don't hold your breath, Mr. Gleason.)

A more important question is what does the party swtich mean for Specter's future fundraising? He's actively giving up on-hand campaign cash; will he be able to raise money quickly to make up the difference, or will donors abandon him?

"A lot of [the campaign staff] are probably as Republican as they are career Specter men," said (a GOP) adviser, who did not want to be identified discussing his colleague's predicament. "Are they going to go work for (Pat) Toomey or are they going to stay with him?"

It's a good bet that many GOP donors will go with Toomey, but once the campaign heats up Specter can count on support from state Democrats and lobbyists who will only care about backing a winner, no matter the party. The national Democratic Party will undoubtedly help fundraising efforts, as will President Obama, so it's safe to say Specter will have no trouble refilling his coffers.