Senator Spotlight, Arlen Specter, PA
Senator Arlen Specter, Democrat
Pennsylvania
Senator since: 1980
Next up for election: 2010
Where does he stand on the issues?
Gay Marriage:
In 1996, voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, but later called for it to be repealed.
Abortion:
Says that he is personally against Abortion, but is a supporter of a woman’s right to choose.
Healthcare:
Voted for the most recent version of President Obama’s Health Care Bill in the Senate.
Death Penalty:
Supports the death penalty, but has sought to narrow the requirements for applying it to a crime.
The Middle East:
In 2002, voted for the Iraq war.
Stem Cell Research:
Wants to lift the restriction on embryonic stem cell research.
What about his personal life?
Senator Specter was a registered member of the Democratic party until 1965, when he changed parties in order to challenge the Democratic District Attorney of Philadelphia. He remained a part of the Republican party until 2009, when he chose to go back to the Democratic party.
Specter was treated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2005 and 2008. He is currently in remission.
Senator Specter lives in Philadelphia with his wife Joan. They have two sons, Shanin and Steve, and four grandchildren, Silvi, Perri, Lilli, and Hatti.
Senator Spotlight is designed to give the every day person a look a concise look at their senators – where they stand on the issues that matter. If you would like for something else to be included, let me know!
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