Sen. Specter says hi to his new/old party

It was time for Arlen's coming-out party.

Pennsylvania's newly converted Democratic U.S. senator, Arlen Specter, showed up at the party's Philadelphia pre-election-day fundraiser last night, pumping the hands of party ward leaders and committeepeople.

"I have a lot of friends here, and I feel a lot of goodwill," Specter told reporters as he worked the room.

When asked how the event differed from a Republican gathering, Specter gave a sideways grin and said, "There are a lot more people here than when Republicans get together."

Specter was warmly received by many, some of whom greeted him by saying, "Welcome home." Specter returned to the party April 28 after a 44-year absence, and his landing has been a little bumpy so far.

He denied reports that he'd told President Obama he'd be a loyal Democrat, cast some votes that upset party leaders and took heat for suggesting that the courts should seat Republican Norm Coleman in Minnesota's disputed Senate contest.

So, Specter's visit to the state's largest Democratic organization was a sensible move for a man who expects to compete in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary a year from now.

A few ward leaders said that they'd gotten personal calls from Specter.

When he rose to speak, Specter recalled attending his first Democratic party fundraiser in 1960, and said that his wife, Joan, eight months pregnant, had "stood on a chair, joining the acclamations of President Kennedy."

While ward leaders were happy enough to see Specter, most were more concerned with judicial races in the party's May 19 primary.

Party chairman U.S. Rep. Bob Brady told the faithful to cheer loudly for Specter, in part because he'd voted for Obama's stimulus package.

"A lot of money's coming in here," Brady said. "And we wouldn't have a dime of it if it wasn't for our Senator Arlen Specter."

"I'm very comfortable as a Democrat," Specter said before leaving, "and I thank you for this homecoming and a very, very warm reception." *