So, that's how it ends...

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter was laid off by voters yesterday.

For a lot of people, Democrats and Republicans alike, Arlen was always a little too slippery, maneuvering through political minefields with his survival in mind. Well, he finally stepped on one.

It's too bad. Even though a lot of us have had disagreements with Arlen over the years, he has served with distinction and is one of the wise elders in the Senate -- which, as Mike Royko once observed, is akin to being the tallest midget in the circus.

Anyway, one day, I'm sure we'll come to miss Arlen.

And today, I can imagine that at least once person is nursing a hangover from celebrating his political demise -- Anita Hill. Those with long memories will recall Arlen's treatment of her during Clarence Thomas' confirmation hearings some years back.

And perhaps this photo has something to do with Specter's difficulty attracting Democratic voters.