Specter's Defection and Partial DOMA Repeal

With Arlen Specter switching to the Democratic Party, the Republicans can pretty much cross out the word "filibuster" from their political dictionary. That bodes well for the upcoming Partial DOMA Repeal, as the filibuster option is no longer on the table.

The outcome of the Partial DOMA Repeal would probably be similar to that of the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006, albeit in a reverse manner, with most Democrats supporting the measure and most Republicans against. Democrats might lose a few Blue Dog votes (i.e. Ben Nelson), and moderate Northeast Republicans such as Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and Judd Gregg would cross party line again as they did for the FMA. By my calculation there will be more than enough votes to pass the measure, as long as the Democratic leadership stands firmly behind it.

All that's left now is for the Democrats to introduce it.