I'm concerned that many here on FR and many of the Senators on the Judiciary Committee are under the impression that the opposition to Specter is solely on a litmus test against pro-life judicial nominees.
Too many people - here on FR, in the Senate and in MSM have made this an issue of "religious fundamentalists".
For me, it is much broader. It goes to gun control, tort reform, affirmative action, committee staff and other issues.
We will have to be eternally vigilent and watch Specter every day. Unfortunately, as chairman and the controller of the staff, much of what he does will be behind closed doors and we'll never know.
I also share your concern on these other very important issues. Specter fails on each issue.
The opposition mounted against Spectre stemmed from his actions over Bork, recent egotistical statements against the President, as well as the position he would not advance pro-Life justices. It may have ballooned to other issues like the ones you named, but they were not the centralized core of what initially formed this opposition. As such, it is not surprising "litmus tests" form the basis of the majority of discussion.
I will disagree with you that this is seen by majority as an issue of "religious fundamantalism". It is not. I have repeatedly stated when opposition was attempted against Bush's AG appointment I would not join a pro-Life chorus of opposition. My reasoning was not that I am for abortion, but rather I do not believe one's opinion on that issue alone makes them unsuited to perform the task of AG.
My problem with Spectre is not that he is pro-Choice. My problem is that he stated he would oppose people that were pro-Life. I'd hold the same position if the positions were reversed. Litmus tests are a violate of our procedures.
I, like you, am concerned about Specters propensity to vote against Bush on things that are other than pro-life. I have heard about his objection to tort reform and he is supposed to be in favor the Internation World Court. That, The Kyoto agreement, a World tax, anything that has to do with a Global ANYTHING, I am against and so better Specter be.