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From new helm, Specter lets in White House critics
Washington Times ^ | 1/07/05 | AP

Posted on 01/07/2005 2:24:03 AM PST by kattracks

New Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter yesterday raised the gavel with a grin and opened his first hearing by allowing more criticism of the Bush administration than his predecessor and by questioning some of the Patriot Act's police powers.
    With his questions and comments, the Pennsylvania Republican proclaimed his independence and said he expected the same from Alberto Gonzales, President Bush's nominee to be attorney general.

[snip]

Mr. Specter traveled a bruising path to the chairman's seat. He almost lost his claim to it in the fall when he said just after Mr. Bush won re-election that pro-life judges might not win Senate confirmation. Administration officials were displeased, and conservatives flooded Republican Senate offices in protest.
    A major damage-control effort by Mr. Specter helped win over Republican colleagues, who chose him to succeed Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Republican.

[snip]

He permitted multiple rounds of questions — and criticism for the White House — from senators of both parties, while Mr. Hatch had usually allowed only one round at such hearings.
    Mr. Specter also agreed to let two law school professors and a human rights advocate testify against Mr. Gonzales.


(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
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1 posted on 01/07/2005 2:24:03 AM PST by kattracks
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To: kattracks

There were those who warned us that he would revert back to form when he got the chairmanship.


2 posted on 01/07/2005 2:35:32 AM PST by patj
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To: kattracks
the Pennsylvania Republican proclaimed his independence

Independence? Specter's antics yesterday is reason 1001 why Santorum should get his clocked cleaned in the GOP primaries for supporting this clymer's re-election in '04 over Toomey.

3 posted on 01/07/2005 2:35:43 AM PST by peyton randolph (CAIR supports TROP terrorists)
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To: kattracks

Sounds like a 'Hatch'et job in the making, from the guy that's made a Specter of himself.

I suppose I can wait another day or two to say, "I told you so." It does look like Arlen just can't help himself, proving his critics dead on target with their objections to him heading up this committee.

Dang it!


4 posted on 01/07/2005 2:36:18 AM PST by DoughtyOne (US socialist liberalism would be dead without the help of politicians who claim to be conservat)
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To: kattracks

why did they let this democrat chair this committee?


5 posted on 01/07/2005 2:36:42 AM PST by William of Orange (I'm John Kerry and I approve this message. No I don't. Yes I do. No I don't. Yes I do. Maybe, not.)
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To: kattracks

The Republican eunuchs in the senate trusted the traitorous liberal Democrat Specter and we all will pay for it. Idiots!


6 posted on 01/07/2005 2:37:39 AM PST by MisterRepublican ("I must go. I must be elusive.")
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To: DoughtyOne
I suppose I can wait another day or two to say, "I told you so."

All freepers can say "I told you so", I don't think there was one of us that believed he could be trusted!

7 posted on 01/07/2005 2:44:03 AM PST by blondee123 (Proud Member of the FR Pajama Blogger Brigade - New Sheriffs in Town!)
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To: DoughtyOne
You'll like this:

THE SPECTER SPECTACLE

The New York Times has an article highlighting Sen. Arlen Specter's delight over the first day of his Senate Judiciary Committee chairmanship. Mr. Specter clearly relished his new role Thursday as the man in charge. He opened the session right on the dot of 9:30 a.m., and held questioners to their allotted 10 minutes...

In an interview during a break in the proceeding, the senator, a onetime practicing lawyer who for eight years was the district attorney in Philadelphia, said of the chairmanship, "I have been in training for it my whole professional career."

I don't care which party he belongs to. The man's unbridled glee at achieving his lifelong dream to fondle the gavel is just...icky.

8 posted on 01/07/2005 2:56:51 AM PST by Elkiejg (A proud patriot of "stingy" America - God Bless our Troops)
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To: DoughtyOne
Anyone who has followed Republican politics for any length of time should not be surprised at the behavior of Arlen Spector. I told you so is perfectly in order at this time, no need ti wait.
9 posted on 01/07/2005 2:57:31 AM PST by Coldwater Creek ('We voted like we prayed")
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To: kattracks

Specter is a snake, they were snookered again by this RINO. Oh he promised, kiss my ars his word is sh**.


10 posted on 01/07/2005 3:16:59 AM PST by boomop1
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To: patj
There were those who warned us that he would revert back to form when he got the chairmanship.

Yup!! We "told ya so!! Told ya so!!"
11 posted on 01/07/2005 3:25:43 AM PST by DustyMoment (Repeal CFR NOW!!)
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To: peyton randolph
Is not a legislative branch critical of the executive branch necessary to the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution?
12 posted on 01/07/2005 3:54:22 AM PST by Lysias
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To: Lysias

Good Morning Troll...welcome to FR. Must be getting tired of the same ol BS over at DU!


13 posted on 01/07/2005 4:25:28 AM PST by mighty_righty
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To: kattracks

We all knew he would be a big POS when he assumed the Chairmanship. I blame the leadership for allowing him to bad mouth the President right after the election with no consequences for his actions. The senate is a joke.


14 posted on 01/07/2005 4:28:22 AM PST by conservativecorner
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To: Elkiejg
He opened the session right on the dot of 9:30 a.m., and held questioners to their allotted 10 minutes . . .

I seem to recall an invitation or two for Senator Kennedy to fulminate with his typical musings.

15 posted on 01/07/2005 4:30:40 AM PST by Fester Chugabrew
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To: kattracks

Specter is a useless piece of crap. Why he is continually elected is something I cannot understand. He is worse than a RINO.


16 posted on 01/07/2005 4:31:14 AM PST by Dustbunny (The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist)
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Comment #17 Removed by Moderator

To: DoughtyOne

I disagree to an extent. First, I thought the hearing showed far more GOP offensive than usual. Cprnyn's introductyory speech was far from the usual.."he's a good guy thing." He ignored AG's record..he attacked all he opponents and their arguments, in advance..made the case for AG..very strong presentatio. Even Leahy, Schumer, and Ted didn't seem to have their heart in it..and did you botice all the questions about the "nuclear option"..they had NO place at the hearing..seems to me the Dems are worried..


18 posted on 01/07/2005 5:03:57 AM PST by ken5050
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To: kattracks

I didn't see the hearings when C-span switched coverage. Did anyone see Sen Coburn ?..How was he?


19 posted on 01/07/2005 5:06:28 AM PST by ken5050
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To: boomop1

Specter is a snake, they were snookered again by this RINO.

No, they weren't snookered. GOP leaders knew to a man what would happen. It's up to us to reform this nation. Bush and the other leaders are not serious yet. We can't sit back and hope for the best.


20 posted on 01/07/2005 5:07:26 AM PST by freedomfiter2
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