Arlen Specter
Arlen Specter
Arlen Specterwas an American lawyer and politician who served as United States Senator from Pennsylvania. Specter was a Democrat from 1951 to 1965, then a Republican from 1965 until 2009, when he switched back to the Democratic Party. First elected in 1980, he represented his state in the Senate for 30 years...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth12 February 1930
CountryUnited States of America
although record supported
So my record is pretty plain, that, although I am pro-choice, I have supported many pro-life nominees,
country difficult facing issues
Immigration is one of the most difficult and important issues facing the country today,
bill civil support
I wouldn't support a bill that impinges on civil liberties.
abortion apply chief committee confirm fight issue judiciary justice kennedy led president record senate supported test voted
As the record shows, I have supported every one of President Bush's nominees in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. I have never and would never apply any litmus test on the abortion issue and, as the record shows, I have voted to confirm Chief Justice (William) Rehnquist, Justice (Sandra Day) O'Connor, and Justice (Anthony) Kennedy and led the fight to confirm Justice (Clarence) Thomas.
across confident good strength
He comes across as very strong, and strength is contagious. It's good to see him and how confident he is.
answer court definitive far next obviously question
He did not give a definitive answer because obviously that question is going to be before the court again; it's going to be on the next term, ... But I think he - as they said in the old song, 'Kansas City,' he went about as far as he could go.
answer privacy
But I think he did answer many, many important questions, such as he solidly affirmed the right to privacy
answer answers gave ought questions subject
I think he ought to have to answer questions and be subject to examination, because the answers that he gave were evasive,
bill disagree gotten national number party people rallying republican senator tremendous within
Bill Weld has gotten tremendous national exposure, and there are a number of people within the Republican Party who may disagree philosophically with Senator Helms, and (Weld) may be rallying a lot of people to his cause.
bare ought women
I think that we ought to have more women on the court. Two is a bare minimum. We really ought to have more,
conversation honest open public
open and honest public conversation with the nominee...is an important part of this process.
apply believe doubt principles
I believe there is substantial doubt as to how he would apply fundamental principles of constitutional law.
except hope potential senate stakes supreme talking terrible
I hope we do not come back to the terrible schism we had, ... That just about tore the Senate apart, and it has the potential to do it again, except that the stakes would be bigger. You are talking about the Supreme Court.
crosses might restraint trade violation
It's a restraint of trade for them to do that, and the thought crosses my mind, it might be a violation of antitrust laws,