Reid: Specter switch part of a ‘long dialogue’

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised Sen. Arlen Specter’s decision to switch parties, characterizing the process to win Specter over to the Democrats as a “long dialogue.”

“Senator Specter and I have had a long dialogue about his place in an evolving Republican Party,” Reid said in a statement Tuesday. “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.”

Specter’s decision to pursue reelection as a Democrat has caused political shockwaves after he’d repeatedly pledged to seek reelection as a Republican, despite facing a conservative primary challenger.

Reid, along with other Democratic officials, have worked behind the scenes for weeks to court Specter.

“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,” Reid said.