Arlen Specter loses seniority as a Democrat

One of the keys to Arlen Specter's decision to switch parties was an understanding that he would NOT lose seniority on the committees on which he serves. But now, after having thoroughly burned all of his Republican bridges, he apparently has burned a few Democratic bridges, too, and is now being told he will be at the bottom of the seniority rung. This, of course, removes most of his power on shaping law.

http://www.rollcall.com/news/34648-1.html

Someone once said, I think of Benedict Arnold, "The problem with being a traitor is even those your behavior benefitted will never trust you again or consider you a friend." Not that I put Arlen Specter as a Benedict Arnold - this is just a political move - but it explains why he will likely wind up a pariah even among his new friends.