Washington – Sen. Arlen Specter Says He ‘Misspoke” on Minnesota Senate Race

Washington – The political whirlwind that surrounded Sen. Arlen Specter ’s switch from the Republican to Democratic party had him forgetting which team he is rooting for in 2010.

But after voicing support for Republican Norm Coleman in his contested Minnesota Senate race, Specter said he misspoke in a New York Times magazine interview and is supporting Democrats.

Specter switched parties April 30 in an effort to hold his Pennsylvania seat for a sixth term in the 2010 election. The move upset fellow Republicans and elated Democrats who edged to a 59-seat majority with two independents in a Senate where 60 senators can cut off debate.

The results of Coleman’s contest with Democrat Al Franken, which are pending in state Supreme Court, will determine whether Democrats reach 60.

Specter was interviewed for a one-page Times magazine feature scheduled to run May 10. Several responses appeared tongue-in-cheek — when asked to keep his answers short and “try not to filibuster” he simply said “sure.”

Asked whether he cared about a shortage of Jewish Republicans in the Senate, Specter replied: “I sure do. There’s still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner.”

But questioned outside the Senate chamber today, Specter said the comment was a mistake.

“In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates,” he said. “I’m ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I’ve made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke.”

Asked who he’s backing now in elections, Specter said, “I’m looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal.”