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.
