U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter dropped hints — hints that he expanded upon today — that he was dissatisfied with the Republican Party during an appearance in Lancaster County Monday morning. Much of Specter’s troubles can be traced back to his vote in favor of the stimulus package, and the outrage it caused among conservatives. Specter was keenly aware of the fact, and returned to the issue several times when taking questions from some of the 160 members of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

When Specter was asked about the high level of partisanship in Washington and the perception that the two parties can’t work together, he said: “It’s the overarching problem.” “In 2004 I had a 1-percent primary,” he said, referring to his narrow victory over Pat Toomey, who is considered a hero among many conservative Republicans. “The country as a whole is much closer to the center than the people who control the primary process.”

Later, when asked about the lack of leadership in the GOP, he said: “It was better when we had President Reagan, I’ll say that.” He added: “I think our Republican leadership today is too intent on saying no as opposed to coming up with an alternative. When I voted on the stimulus, I would have loved an alternative. We need some leadership with a broader view. It’s easy to vote no. When you vote no, there’s no one there to criticize you,” he said.

Specter appears to have a sense of humor about his centrist — some would say maverick — streak. “When you’re in the center — I was about to say ‘dead center’ but that sounds ominous,” he said to laughter. “I don’t mind being in the center, I just don’t want to be dead in the center.”

This we get Specter’s statement today, in which he refers to Reagan:

I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.