Arlen Specter

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary. I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. ...

The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation. ...

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy's statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

-- Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA), in an announcement on his campaign web site, 28 April 2009