The longtime Republican turned Democrat began his life in Kansas, but University of Pennsylvania came calling. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, the son of a Russian immigrant studied law at Yale.
Specter is best known for serving five terms in the US Senate. In the height of his Washington days, his reelections seemed inevitable; even in the 90's when few Republicans were winning.
But it is the end of his political career that sticks in most people's memories. After years of passing hundreds of bills and bringing in countless dollars to the state, the moderate Republican switched to the Democrats, making him the party's 60th vote.
In 2010 he did not make it through the primary on the democratic ticket. It ended his political career.
Specter's early stabs at politics came with several defeats. In 1965 he ran for Philadelphia District Attorney. He ran on the Republican ticket as a registered Democrat. After winning, he switched to the Republican party. He served two terms, losing a try at a third. His next attempts for Mayor of Philadelphia, US Senate and Governor all lead to losses. In 1980 he claimed his prize seat as a US Senator.
In 1995 he ran for President, but dropped out shortly before the primaries and supported Bob Dole.
Specter served on high ranking committees; like Senate Appropriations and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Veteran's Affairs. For ten years he sat on the Judiciary Committee, also serving as chairman. During his time there he confirmed several Supreme Court Judges. He drew controversy for grilling Anita Hill when she claimed sexual harassment against then appointee Clarence Thomas.
The Senator never shied away from the controversial topics or from voting against his party lines. In 2009, as a Democrat, he voted for Obama's stimulus bill and Obamacare.
Politics is not what first put Specter in the national spotlight. After serving as an assistant District Attorney, he was tapped to serve on the Warren Commission and came up with the single bullet theory in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
In between his bids for various offices he made notoriety in 1978 as the defense attorney for Ira Einhorn. He argued to reduce the killer's bail. Before the trial, Einhorn fled. It took more than 20 years to get him extradited back and in Pennsylvania prison.
His toughest and proudest battles were against cancer. Before his most recent fight against a rare form of the disease he survived two bouts with it. He also battled a brain tumor and cardiac arrest following bypass surgery.
Up until the end Specter kept busy, appearing as a political commentator, teaching at UPenn Law School and promoting his recently authored book.
Specter's longest serving role was for 56 years, a husband to wife Joan. The two met in Philadelphia and had two sons. Joan remained a fixture by his side, in life and politics, up until his death.
Senator Arlen Specter was 82-years-old.
Specter is best known for serving five terms in the US Senate. In the height of his Washington days, his reelections seemed inevitable; even in the 90's when few Republicans were winning.
But it is the end of his political career that sticks in most people's memories. After years of passing hundreds of bills and bringing in countless dollars to the state, the moderate Republican switched to the Democrats, making him the party's 60th vote.
In 2010 he did not make it through the primary on the democratic ticket. It ended his political career.
Specter's early stabs at politics came with several defeats. In 1965 he ran for Philadelphia District Attorney. He ran on the Republican ticket as a registered Democrat. After winning, he switched to the Republican party. He served two terms, losing a try at a third. His next attempts for Mayor of Philadelphia, US Senate and Governor all lead to losses. In 1980 he claimed his prize seat as a US Senator.
In 1995 he ran for President, but dropped out shortly before the primaries and supported Bob Dole.
Specter served on high ranking committees; like Senate Appropriations and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Veteran's Affairs. For ten years he sat on the Judiciary Committee, also serving as chairman. During his time there he confirmed several Supreme Court Judges. He drew controversy for grilling Anita Hill when she claimed sexual harassment against then appointee Clarence Thomas.
The Senator never shied away from the controversial topics or from voting against his party lines. In 2009, as a Democrat, he voted for Obama's stimulus bill and Obamacare.
Politics is not what first put Specter in the national spotlight. After serving as an assistant District Attorney, he was tapped to serve on the Warren Commission and came up with the single bullet theory in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
In between his bids for various offices he made notoriety in 1978 as the defense attorney for Ira Einhorn. He argued to reduce the killer's bail. Before the trial, Einhorn fled. It took more than 20 years to get him extradited back and in Pennsylvania prison.
His toughest and proudest battles were against cancer. Before his most recent fight against a rare form of the disease he survived two bouts with it. He also battled a brain tumor and cardiac arrest following bypass surgery.
Up until the end Specter kept busy, appearing as a political commentator, teaching at UPenn Law School and promoting his recently authored book.
Specter's longest serving role was for 56 years, a husband to wife Joan. The two met in Philadelphia and had two sons. Joan remained a fixture by his side, in life and politics, up until his death.
Senator Arlen Specter was 82-years-old.