According to several reports, Specter is leaving the Republican party to caucus with the Democrats. It’s unclear whether he’ll call himself a Democrat or an independent, but the effect is the same: once Al Franken is seated, the Dems will have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
UPDATE: He’s becoming a Democrat, but says that he won’t necessarily break filibusters:
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
