I thought I read somewhere that he’s not actually changing his party until May.

It’s only another useless label.

From what I recall, Specter’s politics have been all over the lot – but he voted with the GOPs yesterday against the Bankruptcy-Loan Modification bill proposed by Sen. Durbin.  Although approved by the House by some 370-50 margin – the Senate rejected it 51-45.  It was estimated the bill would have helped to avoid 20+% of all foreclsures over the coming years – and would have allowed many in the working middle-class to keep their homes with greater affordability.

Every Republican present – including Specter – voted against it.  (Ten Democrats, several from boondock states with very low populations, also voted against it.)

Specter will remain a Republican – although, probably a somewhat “liberal” Republican – although probably not as liberal as a Nelson Rockefeller or John Lindsay Republican.