Specter speaks about decision to switch to democratic party

[0:34] ..." Harm not prepared to have mark. Point nine year record in the United States -- decided. By the Pennsylvania. Republican primary and -- not prepared to have that record. Decided -- and Pennsylvania Republican primary electric."...

[1:40] ..." absence of -- challenging or interesting things that I could undertake outside the Senate. But I do this because. There are many projects -- want to move ahead of Pennsylvania. If mark continuing seniority. In the United States senate. Parent one over here for sides have his medical researcher and want to continue. Quite work in that field I think it is fair and accurate to say with the increases in. Funding for the National Institutes of Health which I have spearheaded. Have save or prolong many lives. Including -- One item that I want to emphasize that. I will"...

[4:29] ..." introduced legislation. To bridge the gap between. Scientific discoveries should the national institutes of health and bring them -- from the bench to them. That's and I've been at the forefront of issues on. Shall ride --"...

[6:15] ..." think people respect. My sincerity and respect what I have done in the Senate to work. Respect and I intend to continue to do."...

[6:37] ..." And discussing that issue with senator Reid. Three fairer approach which we both agreed to. Wants to me worms big Alabama. Democrats coming into the Senate with my election in 1980. You can take a look at the charge and figure out exactly where I mean."...

[7:30] ..." state in the last several much. And specifically. I got my own poll results. Back slash. Friday march -- last week. And consultant with. Mark campaign managers and had a long discussion with us. But Joan"...

[0:21]" Public opinion polls. And have. Found what the prospects for. Randy Republican primary our belief. Harm not prepared to have mark. Point nine year record in the United States -- decided. By the Pennsylvania. Republican primary and -- not prepared to have that record. Decided -- and Pennsylvania Republican primary electric. There aren't prepared to take on. All comers. -- commerce. In general election. And therefore I decided to be a candidate for reelection in 2002 and in the democratic farm. -- Painful decisions. Are now over an arm. Disappointing many of our friends and colleagues. Frankly I have been disappointed -- Some of the responses so real. Disappointment runs. In both directions. I do not undertake this because of the absence of -- challenging or interesting things that I could undertake outside the Senate. But I do this because. There are many projects -- want to move ahead of Pennsylvania. If mark continuing seniority. In the United States senate. Parent one over here for sides have his medical researcher and want to continue. Quite work in that field I think it is fair and accurate to say with the increases in. Funding for the National Institutes of Health which I have spearheaded. Have save or prolong many lives. Including -- One item that I want to emphasize that. I will not be changing my. Own personal independence -- own approach to. Individual issues. Are lobbying and automatic sixtieth vote. I know that children who distortions. My statement was released this morning -- Thank you know what -- sixtieth vote. And I will not be an all America sixtieth vote. And I would illustrate that by. My position norm employee shortage also known as cargo ship. I think -- commissioner Brad virulent I'm opposed to -- We're not vote to. Invoke cloture. Professionally. -- indicative of so my view him in that respect. Our coalition -- live. John Kennedy. But sometimes party -- too much. And if the Democratic Party asks too much I rule. Not hesitate to disagree and -- might independent thinking and what I consider. This a matter of conscience to be in the interest of the state nation. Okay. No harm our reporting principle at stake. From the top of the list. The principles that I subscribe to our mark independence which are we're -- regardless of Forney. Label. I believe that. I have a great deal to offer in terms of continuing service. Arm full of vim vigor and vitality and there are lots of things former do. Four headline that would. Medical -- just today -- introduced legislation. To bridge the gap between. Scientific discoveries should the national institutes of health and bring them -- from the bench to them. That's and I've been at the forefront of issues on. Shall ride -- under executive power. I've been in the middle of the immigration issue -- Her active on. Mideast for an issue which Iran Syria and so that. I think I have a lot to contribute. And I will not suffer from lack of interest during an important things to do. If I were from issues. -- wish one of your questions you -- mentioned -- you only got more. -- Poll last -- that we. Answered your second question is yes and -- answer to your first question is. It was applied session -- talk to. Members senator. Cochran said at least he wouldn't pass through security and -- cam -- form. And everybody. I pass on the way out was friendly and with friendly handshakes. I don't take that -- Mean that there -- some people who were disappointed. But. I think people respect. My sincerity and respect what I have done in the Senate to work. Respect and I intend to continue to do."

[6:37]" And discussing that issue with senator Reid. Three fairer approach which we both agreed to. Wants to me worms big Alabama. Democrats coming into the Senate with my election in 1980. You can take a look at the charge and figure out exactly where I mean."

[7:23]" The decision has been reached. Are gradually. As I have traveled the state in the last several much. And specifically. I got my own poll results. Back slash. Friday march -- last week. And consultant with. Mark campaign managers and had a long discussion with us. But Joan and -- over the weekend. And -- came to a decision on. This past weekend. It. What do you say about."