Chris Cillizza is reporting the story over on his blog at the Washington Post. Politico is also reporting the breaking news as well as Sen. Specter's statement which reads:
Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans. (Politico.com)
This is big news. Why? Well, most people are quick to do the math:
Senator Al Franken (D-MN) + Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) = Filibuster Proof Majority (60 Democratic Senators).
At least, that's what it's supposed to mean. . . Well, I guess that's what it MIGHT mean depending on how sincere Specter's motives are. Yes, Senator Specter switched parties, but he won't automatically rubber-stamp a filibuster-proof majority for any Democratic initiative. Specter's statement makes it clear that his switch in party affiliation does not mean he'll vote the party-line. In fact, Specter even took time to reassert his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.
However, this does raise the question as to whether he'll cast the 60th Democratic vote when it comes to other major initiatives. We'll have to wait and see.
How much of a difference will this make . . . Well, how much influence will Specter get from his constituents?
Message to PA Democratic voters: It's time you give your Senator a phone call.
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