http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_go_co/us_specter_switch;_ylt=AuqA4.ryVKIDj1FWG7jtRaJI2ocA
WASHINGTON – Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania disclosed plans Tuesday to switch parties, a move intended to boost his chances of winning re-election next year that also will push Democrats within one seat of a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority.
"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said in a statement posted on a Web site devoted to Pennsylvania politics and confirmed by his office. Several Senate officials said a formal announcement was expected later in the day or Wednesday.
President Barack Obama called Specter almost immediately after he was informed of the decision to say the Democratic Party was "thrilled to have you," according to a White House official. Spurned Republicans said his defection was motivated by ambition, not principle."
Whatever his motivation is his choice came down to jump ship and switch parties or be an almost sure loser in 2010.Just another sign of how much trouble the republicans are in especially in places like the northeast where they are becoming an endangered species, even moderate ones.That "R" after your name for republican is getting to be like the scarlet letter in this part of the country and there is hardly a republican left holding national office from this region or a governorship for that matter.
WASHINGTON – Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania disclosed plans Tuesday to switch parties, a move intended to boost his chances of winning re-election next year that also will push Democrats within one seat of a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority.
"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said in a statement posted on a Web site devoted to Pennsylvania politics and confirmed by his office. Several Senate officials said a formal announcement was expected later in the day or Wednesday.
President Barack Obama called Specter almost immediately after he was informed of the decision to say the Democratic Party was "thrilled to have you," according to a White House official. Spurned Republicans said his defection was motivated by ambition, not principle."
Whatever his motivation is his choice came down to jump ship and switch parties or be an almost sure loser in 2010.Just another sign of how much trouble the republicans are in especially in places like the northeast where they are becoming an endangered species, even moderate ones.That "R" after your name for republican is getting to be like the scarlet letter in this part of the country and there is hardly a republican left holding national office from this region or a governorship for that matter.
