When Arlen Specter switched parties, he insisted that he would continue to oppose card check:
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
Now, according to Talking Points Memo, Specter says he will vote for card check cloture, and whatever else the Democrats send down the pipe:
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) fielded questions at a Netroots Nation panel this morning about whether he’d encourage his colleagues to support cloture on Democratic bills. Though he elided the specific question, he did say that, unless Democrats flew off the handle and began trying to limit the first amendment, or civil rights for gays, he will vote with the party to bring legislation to the floor for an up or down vote. Specifically, he said he’d support cloture on the Employee Free Choice Act, even if he disagrees with the underlying bill.
(Via the Corner.)
So he will be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. I can’t say I’m surprised.
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