Senator Arlen Specter to Switch Parties

In yet another blow to a Republican Party already on the ropes after the electoral blowout in November, long-time Republican Senator Arlen Specter has announced his intention to cross the aisle

"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary,"

said Specter in a statement.

"I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election."

Specter has been in the United States Senate since 1980, and considers himself a Reagan Republican. Specter also said that his party has shifted so far to the right, that he now feels his values line up more with the Democratic party. Specter's defection gives the Democrats a count of 59 seats, one short of the Fillibuster proof 60 they could achieve when and if Al Franken is finally seated after a protracted court battle with Norm Coleman. That fight might be coming to an end soon, as Coleman is slowly running out of arenas in which to appeal, and a growing discontent, even among Minnesota Republicans, with the lack of representation in the Senate. While Specter's shift is based on ideological differences with his former party, one has to wonder if a recent poll, which shows him down 21 points in the republican primary played a role in the move.\ Specter has also announced that his move will not affect his "No" vote on the EFCA bill, leaving his future even in the Democratic party somewhat in doubt.