Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter is switching sides.
The moderate Republican will switch to Democrat and run in 2010 as a Democrat, according to a statement he released this morning.
Specter’s defection would give Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate assuming Democrat Al Franken is eventually sworn in as the next senator from Minnesota.
“Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right.” he said. “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.”
Specter’s announcement coming on the eve of President Obama’s 100th day in office.
The president as informed of Specter’s decision at a morning economic briefing, according to the Washington Post. Minutes later, the Post said, Obama spoke to Specter by phone, saying “you have my full support” and adding “we are thrilled to have you.”
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