Reid welcomes Specter to the party

On the heels of this morning's surprise announcement that Sen. Arlen Specter is switching parties and becoming a Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has issued a statement welcoming Specter.

Assuming Democrat Al Franken eventually comes to Washington as the senator from Minnesota, Specter's defection stands to give Reid 60 votes in the Senate -- the magic number for blocking filibusters, provided he can keep the caucus together.

Reid has acknowledged he was one of several Democrats working to persuade Specter to make the switch. Previously, he said Specter's decision to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act had scuttled the possibility. It will be interesting to see where Specter comes down on the union organizing legislation now.

Here's what Reid had to say today:

“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.”