Here's another political person I have to comment on: Arlen Specter. Specter is a long-time Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. However, after realizing that his chances of winning the Republican primary in his next election were "bleak", what does he do? He switches political parties!
Of course, he did this only after making a deal that President Obama and the Governor of Pennsylvania would campaign for him. In essence, he accepted a payout from the other party to switch and increase his chances of re-election. However, the media cites his "independent streak" and paints him as a maverick!
Someone who takes money to switch parties and stay in office isn't a maverick - the correct term is sellout.
