Specter's announcement was welcomed by White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, who said Specter's support would be important in implementing President Obama's economic plan: "Let me repeat what the president told Senator Specter this morning, that he has the president's full support, that he is thrilled that he switched parties and is a Democrat and that we look forward to working as we have on the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan with Senator Specter,"

VOA: standard.2009.04.28