Specter move throws wrench into primary

Senator Arlen Specter’s party switch is changing the dynamics of next year’s Democratic primary.

Senator Arlen Specter’s party switch is changing the dynamics of next year’s Democratic primary.

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[audio: 090428sdswitch.mp3]

State Representative Josh Shapiro of Montgomery County has been laying the groundwork for a Democratic Senate campaign for months now, but says with Specter in the party, he’s no longer running.

Shapiro: This does change my thinking, and I think Senator Specter, being a Democrat now, will likely be the Democratic standard bearer.

House Democratic Leader Todd Eachus is also backing Specter, saying the party needs to rally around the long-time Senator.

Former National Constitution Center president Joe Torsella says he’s still running in the Democratic primary.

Specter had faced uphill odds in the Republican primary, and many polls had given challenger Pat Toomey a wide lead.

Both Toomey and Republican candidate Peg Luksik say the switch makes sense, arguing Specter is “at home” in the Democratic party, and too liberal for the GOP.