Today in State of the Union with John King, former Bush-Cheney administration Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge had the audacity to mildly – very mildly – criticize conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.

“I think for the American public, for the Republican Party to restore itself, not as a regional party, but as a national party, we have to be far less judgmental about disagreements within the party and far more judgmental about our disagreement with our friends on the other side of the aisle,” Ridge told King.

“I think a lot of our commentators are being shrill.” Commentators like, oh say, Rush Limbaugh?

“Yes, Rush Limbaugh has an audience of 20 million people. A lot of people listen daily to him and live by every word. But words mean things and how you use words is very important.”

He added: “Well, I think Rush articulates his point of view in ways that offend very many.| MORE ›

This is good news:

For those writing Republican centrism’s obituary after Arlen Specter’s party switch, holster your quills.

In fact, if the next few weeks go well for the GOP, it might pave the way for a whole new chapter in the left flank of the right-leaning party.| MORE ›

Could Senator Arlen Specter face a Republican opponent next year who could actually win a statewide election? Perhaps so:

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is considering running for the Republican Senate nomination in his home state, according to a senior Republican aide with knowledge of the situation.| MORE ›

When Senator Arlen Specter defected to the Democratic Party last week, he explained he did so because internal polling showed he would lose the GOP’s primary election to Congressman Pat Toomey, who challenged the fiscally liberal 79-year old for his seat.

The most recent polls among Republican voters had Specter trailing by 21%. Indeed, a significant gap.| MORE ›