Reid: Specter got a standing ovation at Dem lunch

Newly-minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.) got a standing ovation from the Senate Democratic Caucus with which he lunched for the first time today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Tuesday.

“What kind of reaction did Senator Specter receive in the caucus?” Reid said in remarks after the luncheon, echoing a reporter’s question. “A standing ovation.”

“He gave a very good presentation to the caucus,” Reid continued. “In effect, he said that he started as a Democrat, he’s a Democrat again.”

Specter announced he’d switched parties last Tuesday, but attended the Republican luncheon to explain his departure before leaving to dine with his family.

Specter had attended the GOP’s weekly luncheons for members of the respective parties since having been elected to the Senate in 1980 — as a Republican.