Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today issued the statement below, following the decision by Senator Arlen Specter, of Pennsylvania, to become a Democrat:

“Sen. Specter has already supported many pieces of President Obama’s agenda this year, but I hope his decision to switch parties means we’ll get the support we need to enact even more of this administration’s initiatives.  I have worked with Sen. Specter in the past to develop climate change legislation, and I know he has a deep interest in energy policy and health care reform, as well,” Bingaman said.  “Clearly, many of Sen. Specter’s priorities are the priorities of this administration and this Congress.”