Specter's shift will help him more than Democrats

(MarketWatch) -- With longtime Republican Sen. Arlen Specter switching to the Democratic Party, all of Washington is abuzz with news that the Democrats will have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

President Barack Obama's agenda might get a small boost from Specter's change, but the biggest beneficiary is likely to be Specter, who changed parties to protect himself, not Obama. See full story.

With 60 sure votes, the Democrats would be able to advance much of Obama's agenda, especially the transformations in the health-care and energy sectors. Under Senate rules, a minority of 41 senators can block almost any legislation or nomination.
The problem is that the 60 votes aren't sure. There is no guarantee that all 60 will consistently vote to end filibusters mounted by the Republicans. Every issue, every bill is different. The Democratic leaders still have to get the votes of a few moderates of either party, including Pennsylvania's Specter, Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska, or Maine Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe.
Specter said he would not be an automatic 60th vote.

The current lineup in the Senate is 56 Democrats, 41 Republicans and two independents who vote with the Democrats. Democrat Al Franken leads in the Minnesota race, now locked in the courts following a recount.

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