Sen. Specter, Arlen (R) PA
Aggregate Rating 41.78%
59%
45%
21%
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.

Offices held

Office
Party
State
District
Date
U.S. Senator
Republican
 
2004-2010

Elections

Office
State
District
Date
U.S. Senator
 
2004
 
Republican
2,925,080
 
Democrat
2,334,126
 
Conservative
220,056
 
Libertarian
79,263

U.S. Senator (Primary)
 
2004
 
Democrat
595,816
 
Republican
530,839
 
Republican
513,693

U.S. Senator
 
1998
 
Republican
1,814,180
 
Democrat
1,028,839
 
Other
68,377
 
Libertarian
46,103

U.S. Senator (Primary)
 
1998
 
Democrat
236,435
 
Democrat
121,669
 
Democrat
118,684
 
Republican
376,322
 
Republican
101,120
 
Republican
82,168


Interest Group Data

Interest Group
Year
Rating
Club For Growth
2007
13.00
Club For Growth
2006
40.00

National Right to Life Commitee
2006
0.00
National Right to Life Commitee
2004
64.00
National Right to Life Commitee
2002
0.00
National Right to Life Commitee
2000
22.00
National Right to Life Commitee
1998
29.00

Americans for Better Imigration
2006
16.00
Americans for Better Imigration
2005
5.00
Americans for Better Imigration
2004
15.00
Americans for Better Imigration
2003
16.00
Americans for Better Imigration
2002
25.00
Americans for Better Imigration
2001
25.00

Gun Owners of America
2008
28.00
Gun Owners of America
2006
100.00
Gun Owners of America
2005
0.00
Gun Owners of America
2004
40.00
Gun Owners of America
2003
43.00
Gun Owners of America
2002
43.00
Gun Owners of America
2000
43.00

National Rifle Association
2004
93.00

NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2007
0.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2006
50.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2005
80.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2004
100.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2003
79.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2001
100.00
NARAL Inverse (100 minus rating)
2000
10.00

Citizens Against Government Waste
2006
57.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2005
57.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2004
43.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2003
40.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2002
44.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2001
60.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
2000
65.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
1999
42.00
Citizens Against Government Waste
1998
39.00

Federation for American Immigration Reform
2005
0.00
Federation for American Immigration Reform
2004
0.00

Americans for Immigration Control
2006
16.00
Americans for Immigration Control
1998
0.00
Americans for Immigration Control
1996
30.00

U.S. Border Control
2006
16.00

Brady Campaign Inverse (100 minus rating)
2003
86.00
Brady Campaign Inverse (100 minus rating)
2002
86.00
Brady Campaign Inverse (100 minus rating)
1999
89.00

US English
2007
93.00

English First
2007
33.00

Google News

 

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 »
Last modified by Ragnar on Tue, August 5 2008