Specter's change of party does not mean all that much, because his voting tendencies are not going to change that much. The Democrats had a majority of seats and they still do. And to overcome a filibuster, they needed 60 votes, with or without Specter, and they still do.
What fascinates me is the reluctance the DUers have to embrace him. Where is the tolerance they like to preach? Specter is not pure enough for them; but, who is? I don't remember any Republicans acting like this when Shelby became Republican, and when it looked like Zell Miller or Lieberman might do the same.
They seem to enjoy wallowing in defeat, even when they are winning, and that attitude ensures they will lose. As Rush says, some people just can't handle success.