Arlen Specter

Note: Specter recently announced that he is suspending his campaign due to fundraising problems

"Booo! Booo!" The sound must ring in Arlen's ears, even when he's tucked himself away in his cool Senate office building. And Arlen is not used to that. Specter has long been respected for his socially moderate beliefs and his advocacy of women's issues -- despite his role as the "Grand Inquisitor" of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas hearings.

But now he's running for the Republican nomination by running against the religious right. Not such a good idea during GOP primary season, which, since 1988, has been dominated by fans of Pat Robertson, Ralph Reed and Pat Buchanan. Specter rails against the growing intolerance of the Party and calls for the removal of the pro-life plank of the platform, thus dooming his chances of winning the nomination. But "wrong-way" Specter seems energized by the rabid opposition to his proposals. It goads him on to some uncertain end.

Internet Resources:

Senator Arlen Specter for President

Arlen's official website. Specter's mentor and former Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, may be mentioned more than Specter himself. But you can get the basics here: bio, speeches, and position papers.

Specter's Senate Biography

Ever wonder who came up with the wacky "one bullet theory" relating to the assasination of John F. Kennedy? Arlen Specter gets credit for it in his Senate Biography. Read about that and his tenure as a Philadelphia D.A.

Specter's Republican Primary Page

Here's the place to check out what Arlie has been up to in the 104th. Dig through his legislation and see exactly who his financial backers are.