The American Spectator

“People there knew that Specter was sick, and while no one wishes the worst in that kind of situation, people clearly felt this could be a sign that Kyl is in a position to really help the White House and the President’s judicial nominees,” says a Kyl donor who attended the event. “We want Jon’s profile to be raised a bit now.”

Specter, who is battling non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s disease, is said to be in a fighting spirit, but the treatment is taking a physical toll on him. Judiciary Committee press staffers were attempting to put him out for meetings and discussions with the press to allay rumors that Specter is weak and perhaps more ill than they had let on. Specter’s remarks certainly did nothing to help him. Instead of showing some support for the President and his agenda, Specter continued hammering away at how his party had failed to reach out to Democrats, and he again lectured the White House on its nominations philosophy.

“It’s getting to the point now, where Specter seems to be trying to call the leadership’s bluff,” says a staffer for a Republican Senator who does not serve on the committee, but who sought a seat this term. “We’re entering a critical time. If this is what Specter thinks is clarifying his position or building support among conservatives, he’s getting some bad advice.”

The growing doubts about Specter’s leadership could not be coming at a worse time for Republicans. According to a Judiciary Committee staffer, many who are directly involved in the nomination and confirmation process of judges have been told not to make plans for the summer months as there is expected to be a major confirmation battle.

p>”We’re expecting not only some fights over appeals court nominees, we’re expecting a Supreme Court nomination as well. That could take us into August,” says the committee staffer. br> /p>