Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has put out a statement on the news that Sen. Arlen Specter (formerly R- now D-PA) is switching parties.
I have known Senator Specter for more than a quarter-century. He has always been a man of honor and integrity, and a fine public servant.
Senator Specter and I have had a long dialogue about his place in an evolving Republican Party. We have not always agreed on every issue, but Senator Specter has shown a willingness to work in a bipartisan manner, put people over party, and do what is right for Pennsylvanians and all Americans.
I welcome Senator Specter and his moderate voice to our diverse caucus, and to continuing our open and honest debate about the best way to make life better for the American people.
You see an indication there–no big surprise–that this has been tossed around for some time now. But not everybody seemed to be as queued in as Harry Reid. More on that momentarily.
