WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior administration official says President Barack Obama has told Sen. Arlen Specter that Democrats are "thrilled to have you" after learning that the longtime Republican will switch parties.
Obama learned of Specter's intentions during his economic daily briefing on Tuesday morning in the Oval Office. Obama was handed a note saying that Specter was announcing that he was changing parties.
The administration official said Obama reached Specter by phone and told the senator "you have my full support" and that Democrats are "thrilled to have you." The official spoke on condition of anonymity to divulge details of the private conversation.
Specter has faced a tough re-election challenge from within his own party in Pennsylvania.
