Posted on 03/20/2007 6:51:10 AM PDT by Mo1
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), a moderate who has often clashed with the Bush administration and his fellow GOP lawmakers, said Monday he plans to seek a sixth term in 2010. "There are a lot of important things to be done and finally after being here to acquire some seniority, I'm in a position to do that," said Specter, 77. "I'm full of energy and my wife doesn't want me home for breakfast, lunch and dinner."
Specter said he has fundraisers planned, including a large one April 4 in Philadelphia.
"It's an enormous task, and that's why I'm starting early," said Specter, noting that he spent $23 million in his 2004 race.
A former Philadelphia prosecutor dubbed "Snarlin' Arlen," Specter has never shied from controversial issues.
In 2004, his sharp political analysis nearly cost him the chairmanship that he coveted after years on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Shortly after his election to a fifth term, Specter angered conservatives long suspicious of him by warning a just re-elected President Bush that anti-abortion judges would have a difficult time winning Senate confirmation, given Democratic opposition.
Social conservatives demanded that Senate GOP leaders deny Specter the Judiciary Committee chairmanship. Only his extraordinary public pledge to give Bush's nominees quick hearings and early votes, regardless of their views on abortion, spared Specter the ignominy of a chairmanship denied.
From his seat on Judiciary, Specter has participated in the Senate confirmation hearing of every sitting Supreme Court Justice except Justice John Paul Stevens. He was chairman of the committee during the confirmation hearings for Chief Justice John Roberts and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
He is now the panel's top Republican.
In 2005, while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's disease, he challenged the administration over federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. On Monday, he said his health is excellent.
The April 4 fundraiser was first reported by The Patriot-News of Harrisburg.
Specter's last re-election campaign was the toughest of his career. He barely defeated former Rep. Pat Toomey in a primary race in which his age was contrasted with that of his youthful-looking opponent, but Specter went on to win the general election handily.
Oh joy.
Only if Hell has a Senate.
Yet another case for term limits.
moderate = pro-abortion, social liberal.
Well, at least he gave his party a good 'head's up' so they can start looking for a good primary challenger! Maybe Rick will try again! It would be nice to see him bash Specter!
Can't really blame his wife for not wanting him at home *L*
Here's a prediction. No matter what happens between now and the 2010 election there will be dozens of posters here telling us how incredibly important it is that we hold our nose and vote for Specter.
Santorum just joined a law firm here in Pittsburgh this week. He's not going to run for Specter's seat.
Nope .. we got the Judges we wanted on the USSC
Specter is of no use anymore
I'm not thinking seniority means to much to Pennsyltuckians. They cut loose Santorum last year and he was #3 in Senate leadership.
I hope there is a primary in the works.
And now Mobster Gov Ed owns the voting machines, the people of PA will have been under the liberal, RINO control for longer. It is a sad time in my old home.
What did we do to deserve this? Geez, will it never end!
Old 'magic bullet' is back for another shot.
is arlen related to phil?
Is Pat Toomey raising funds?
PA voters, vote this RINO OUT!
Oh GOD I hoped that snake would retire!
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