This Vermont senator left the Republican Party, giving control of the Senate to the Democrats
[DOC] [TLE] Specter joining Dems; shifts Senate - USATODAY.com [PAR] Apr 28, 2009 ... Arlen Specter described his switch to the Democratic Party as a ... Democrat Al 
Franken is ahead by 312 votes but GOP incumbent ... Ceisler predicted the 
Pennsylvania senator would give Senate Democratic ....