WASHINGTON-Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter announced he is defecting from the Republican Party, giving the Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
Once Democrat Al Franken's win in Minnesota is certified and opponent Norm Coleman ends his judicial challenge, the Democrats will have 60 members, the magic number for blocking a filibuster.
The 79-year-old Specter, who is finishing up his fifth term, acknowledged his defection was based more on the likelihood of losing a primary challenge next year to hard-right candidate Pat Toomey. Immediately following his announcement last week, President Obama and senior Democrats pledged their support to Specter in next year's race.
The move will give the Democrats greater momentum to pursue their agenda, especially on economic issues, where the five-term Republican has exhibited a centrist bent.
