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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USA Today

Pa. Sen. Arlen Specter is penning a book USA Today "Well, as a matter of fact, I am," the senator replied, according to a pool report from Politico's Carol Lee. "I do have some special insights, ... PA Dem Chair Hits SestakNational Journal (blog) Angry white men demand ObamacareDaily Mail - Charleston (blog) We "heart" this | Philadelphia Daily News | 03/09/2010Philadelphia Daily News all 39 news articles »

Iowa Independent

Iowa calls target Santorum Politico Arlen Specter. "If you don't get a chance to speak with Rick Santorum face to face, please call him," the recorded message says, "and ask him to apologize ... Santorum responds to 'pro-life fraud' Iowa robocallsIowa Independent Calls labeling him soft on abortion hound Santorum in Iowa | Philadelphia ...Philadelphia Daily News Robocalls attack Santorum ahead of Iowa visitCNN Political Ticker (blog) all 44 news articles »

FOXNews (blog)

Obama Bypasses Members of Congress and Heads Right for Their Constituents FOXNews (blog) If you ask the Republican National Committee, it's salvaging the faltering campaign of Democratic Senator Arlen Specter. Ironically, the group says, ... Obama Takes on Insurers in Push for Health Care BillBusinessWeek Obama adds fire to healthcare debateLos Angeles Times Background on President Barack Obama's remarks on health insurance reform at ...Thaindian.com Xinhua -Vancouver Sun -CNSNews.com all 2,211 news articles »

Webb Urges Vote On National Criminal Justice Commission Act WHSV “There have been many commissions in recent years, but the problems which we are now confronting warrant a fresh look,” said Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA), ... and more »