Long-time Republican Senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Specter has switched sides and joined the Democratic aisle. Specter is a moderate Republican and narrowly won a primary challenge from a conservative Republican congressman in 2004. President Bush then campaigned on Specter’s behalf.

The end of the filibuster? Let’s hope not for America and freedom’s sake.

Specter was facing another primary challenge in 2010 by the same conservative congressman and without a popular Republican president to campaign on his behalf, Specter was bound to lose. Rather than lose, Specter shamelessly stated that he has become a Democrat to increase his reelection chances. The Democrats have given Specter a sweet deal. Full endorsement in 2010 as their party’s candidate, money and President Obama’s own campaigning effort.

As a new Democrat, Specter gives the Democrats 59 seats. There is still the unresolved Minnesota Senate seat race between Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democrat challenger [and former comedian] Al Franklen. Franklen has won the recount and a series of court cases, but bitter Coleman continues to clog the courts with frivolous lawsuits forstaling a final resolution. Even Republican establishments - such as the weekly National Review - have called for Coleman for concede. One way or another, the race will be decided and it will no doubt rule in favor of Franklen. With Franklen, the Democrats will have the magic number of 60 Senators for a filibuster proof majority.

With such a figure, the Republicans will no longer able to mount filibusters to stop legislation they disagree with but cannot defeat on a up-and-down vote. So they talk and talk and talk the bill to death. But with 60 votes, the Democrats can push for a closture ending debate and force a vote.

What will this mean? Left-wing legislation that the Democratic leadership had filed away in the knowledge that the Republicans would never allow it to pass may now be revived. I emphasize may for Specter is known for his independent streak and may not go along with all the Democrats plans. One of the most left-wing is the Employee Free Choice Act lobbied for by the unions in an effort to end secret ballots to increase the power of union bosses.

Even as a Democrat, Specter may oppose such legislation such as the EFCA. In fact, when asked during his announcing press conference, Specter said that he is still opposed to EFCA and will stay vote to support filibuster. But given the prospect of a Democratic primary, the unions may force Specter’s hand lest he lose this primary. So even if they get Franklen, the Democrats may not want to open the champion bottle just yet.

And, finally, this is a great statement on Specter’s integrity. This is a man who has been a Republican Senator for 29 years and then leaves the party all because he faces a though reelection? Specter is just another entirely self-interested politician who has no patience for principle and loyalty. This guy should lose in 2010 no matter his party identification. His actions speak to the fact that he has been in politics way too long.