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Democrats Get Closer to 60

Posted by: Julia Eisman on Apr 28, 2009

In a surprise move that broke in the Washington Post today, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has decided to switch over to the Democratic Party. In a statement, Specter said:

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. 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.

This is not just big news for Pennsylvania, but the nation as a whole since it brings the total number of Democrats closer to 60 - which would be a filibuster-proof majority if all Democrats vote along party lines. But Democrats shouldn't get too excited. As Specter stated:

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...I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture.

The implications? "This really increases the likelihood that Senator Specter will be a helpful ally in health care reform," said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA. "It is unimaginable that he will run in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary without making a huge effort to pass health care reform."

This could be a game-changer for health care reform, but we'll have to wait and see how things play out.