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Near majority in Senate

Arlen Specter

Washington: One of the few remaining moderate Republicans in the Senate defected to the Democrats, dealing a massive blow to the Republican party’s ability to impede Barack Obama’s legislative agenda.

The defection by Arlen Specter, a veteran Pennsylvania Republican, puts the Democratic party closer to the 60 votes needed to pass substantive legislation. All that remains for the party to achieve that margin is the final confirmation in Minnesota of Al Franken’s victory in a long-disputed Senate election.

“I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans,” said Mr. Specter, (79).

Mr. Obama told him the Democrats were “thrilled to have you”. Republican national committee chairman Michael Steele said some Republicans would be happy to see him go. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2009

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