Sen. Harkin: ‘I just want to say welcome’ to Specter

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) welcomed his colleague Arlen Specter (Pa.) to the Democratic caucus on Tuesday and said that there had been conversations last week about the switch.

In a statement earlier Tuesday, Specter announced that he is switching to the Democratic Party, a move that could give Demcorats a filibuster proof 60-seat majority if/when Democrat Al Franken is seated from the Minnesota contest.

“I just want to say welcome,” Harkin said on MSNBC.

Harkin said he believes it will be a “seamless transfer” and that Specter will “have a great home in the Democratic caucus.”

Harkin acknowledged that conversations took place last week about the Specter switch. Harkin would not, however, comment on whether Specter was promised any committee assignments or chairmanships.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com