Arlen Specter in PA Senate debates

On Civil Rights: Oppose gay marriage but support civil union

I oppose gay marriage but support civil union. Source: 2004 PA Senate debate, in Philadelphia Inquirer Oct 10, 2004

On Social Security: Considered Social Security privatization but saw it unwise

At one time I had considered a small portion of Social Security in private accounts, I think it is unwise. I believe the seniors ought to be reassured that their Social Security benefits are solid. Source: 2004 PA Senate debate, in AP News Oct 3, 2004

On Principles & Values: I’m in the center in this campaign

Clymer over on my right says the government shouldn’t be doing anything. Hoeffel on my far left says the government should be doing a lot more. It’s sort of a “cannons to the right of me, cannons to the left of me.” I’m in the center. Perhaps I’m doing something right. Source: 2004 PA Senate debate, on WTAE Oct 2, 2004

The above quotations are from Pennsylvania Senate debates: Sen. Arlen Specter (R), Rep. Joe Hoeffel (D), Betsy Summers (Libertarian), and Jim Clymer (Constitution) - series of debates in October 2004. Click here for other excerpts from Pennsylvania Senate debates: Sen. Arlen Specter (R), Rep. Joe Hoeffel (D), Betsy Summers (Libertarian), and Jim Clymer (Constitution) - series of debates in October 2004. Click here for other excerpts by Arlen Specter. Click here for a profile of Arlen Specter.
*Arlen Specter on other issues:*
Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families Foreign Policy Free Trade	Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Jobs Principles Social Security Tax Reform Technology War/Peace Welfare
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Page last updated: Feb 20, 2019