Specter to Switch Parties, Gives Democrats 60 Votes in the Senate

I read on Political Wire that Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is switching his political affiliation to Democrat.

Sen. Arlen Specter will switch his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and announced today that he will run for re-election in 2010 as a Democrat, according to the Washington Post.

Specter's decision would give Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate assuming Al Franken (D) is eventually sworn in as the next Senator from Minnesota.

Said Specter: "I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary. I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election."

Specter won't fall in line with Democrats on every issue, such as the Employee Free Choice act, but gives Democrats a fillibuster proof majority on many issues.

Here's more from Kos.