Why did the White House Help Arlen Specter again?

The White House asked that Alito be confirmed before Congress goes home and so what does Sen. Specter (R-PA) do, but schedule the committee hearings in January. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/04/AR2005110400229.html?referrer=email

Why is it that the President fought so hard for him last year? I hope it wasn't because they thought Specter would return a favor.