Arlen J. Specter is the senior United States Senator from Pennsylvania.

Because of his liberal voting record, Specter is often dubbed a "Republican In Name Only" (RINO).

In 2004, Specter faced a challenge in the Republican primary election from conservative Congressman Pat Toomey. Toomey ran on the principle that Specter was too much of a liberal and big spender to represent the Republican Party. The match-up was closely watched nationally, being seen as a symbolic clash between the conservative and liberal wings of the Republican Party. Ultimately, most of the state's Republican establishment, including the state's other senator at the time, Rick Santorum, closed ranks behind Specter. Specter was also strongly supported by President George W. Bush. At the time, polls showed that had Toomey was polling well behind the Democratic candidate, Congressman Joe Hoeffel. Ultimately, Specter narrowly won the primary, with 51 percent of the vote. In the general election, he faced Hoeffel, Betsy Summers of the Libertarian Party, and Constitution Party candidate James Clymer in November 2004's general election. He was easily reelected.

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Obama to Campaign for Sestak FOXNews (blog) The president had previously supported Sestak's primary opponent Republican-turned-Democrat Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) who Sestak defeated in the May ... The Presidential Rainmaker, Cont.New York Times (blog) Obama to Campaign for SestakCBS News Obama to stump for SestakAllentown Morning Call The Hill (blog) -Delaware County Daily Times -CNN Political Ticker (blog) all 136 news articles »

Hot Ads of the Week: "Real People" Come Out in Force CBS News And what's unique here is that the ad takes on Congressman Joe Sestak, who we all remember beat out Senator Arlen Specter for the Democratic nominee for ... and more »

Senator sees economic benefits from gas drilling Williamsport Sun-Gazette Arlen Specter, D-Philadelphia, sees great economic potential for the local area from the Marcellus Shale and believes the gas industry can help ensure ... and more »

Globe and Mail

Alaska Republicans eject incumbent senator World Magazine Robert Bennett, R-Utah, and Arlen Specter, D-Pa. Miller, 43, told The Associated Press by phone late Tuesday that he'll campaign this fall on transferring ... Alaska Democrat's campaign for US Senate ramps upThe Associated Press In Alaska, Sen. Murkowski concedes to 'tea party' candidate MillerLos Angeles Times Break Out the Tea!Portfolio.com (blog) Washington Post (blog) -Post Chronicle -The Cypress Times all 1,883 news articles »