Arlen Specter Dies at 82, Pennsylvania Senator

The political world mourns today as we lose a loyal servant to Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter, who recently changed his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

Arlen Specter, a Kansas native, moved to Pennsylvania during his college years, where he attended University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s degree, and then later received his master’s degree from Yale. Specter also was involved with the Unites States Air Force from 1951 to 1953.

Specter started his political involvement in 1965, when he ran for District Attorney for Pennsylvania under the Republication affiliation. He then later ran for the U.S. Senate in 1976 and 1978; however, he was defeated both times. He then later reattempted the Senate seat in 1980 and won, starting his first day in office in January 1981.

Some of the events Specter is known for from his career are listed below:

• 1998: Co-sponsored an amendment to the Fair Housing Act.
• 1999: Criticized the Republican party (his own affiliation) for the impeachment of Bill Clinton, stating that he did not have a fair trial.
• 2002: Voted in favor of H.J.Res 114, and authorizing the Iraq War.
• 2007: Involved in communications with Robert Goddell (NFL Commissioner), concerning the destruction of the New England Patriots Spygate tapes.
• 2009: Introduced a bill to require the televising of U.S. Supreme Court proceedings.

In 2009, Specter changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, and then lost the Senate seat in 2010 after being defeated by Joe Sestak.

Arlen Specter died on Sunday, October 14th, 2012, after battling long-term cancer (since 2005). He was 82 years old.

Various Twitter users are stepping out from behind their political affiliation and posting condolences for this great Senator: