Arlen Specter Quotes

A collection of quotes by Arlen Specter.

Arlen Specter (1930-2012) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator representing Pennsylvania for five terms. He was born on February 12, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas. Specter earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and later graduated from the Yale Law School.

After practicing law for several years, Arlen Specter began his political career by serving as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia. In 1965, he was appointed as an assistant counsel to the Warren Commission, which was tasked with investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Specter's political journey then led him to become a Republican senator, first elected in 1980. Throughout his career, he gained a reputation as a moderate, often being willing to work with members of both parties to find common ground on various issues. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he played a prominent role in the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees, including Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas.

Specter was known for his independent thinking and willingness to break party lines on certain issues. In 2009, he switched his party affiliation to the Democratic Party, citing dissatisfaction with the Republican Party's direction. He ran for reelection in 2010 but was defeated in the Democratic primary.

Arlen Specter passed away on October 14, 2012, at the age of 82. His contributions to the field of law and his dedication to public service left a lasting impact on American politics.

But one way or another, judges perform a very vital function

But one way or another, judges perform a very vital function in our society. They have a risky job and they are entitled to security.

Society

The First Amendment freedom of religion is as important toda

The First Amendment freedom of religion is as important today as when the Bill of Rights was first written.

Freedom

If you are going to have to play defense all the time, you c

If you are going to have to play defense all the time, you cannot have the kind of ingenuity, assertiveness, independence, and intelligence which is what has made our country strong.

Intelligence

American credibility in the war on terrorism depends on a st

American credibility in the war on terrorism depends on a strong stand against all terrorist acts, whether committed by foe or friend.

War

I am very much opposed to abortion personally. But I don't t

I am very much opposed to abortion personally. But I don't think it is the government's rule.

Government

Big money is ruining the political system.

Big money is ruining the political system.

Money

People in government and public life are being kicked around

People in government and public life are being kicked around at a high rate of speed.

Government

It's inspirational to see someone who is dying smile.

It's inspirational to see someone who is dying smile.

Inspirational

The fundamental purpose of government is to protect its citi

The fundamental purpose of government is to protect its citizens.

Government

I do come from a strong family.

I do come from a strong family.

Family

The best way to reduce the cost of medical care is to reduce

The best way to reduce the cost of medical care is to reduce the illness.

Medical

My father was an immigrant who literally walked across Europ

My father was an immigrant who literally walked across Europe to get out of Russia. He fought in World War I. He was wounded in action. My father was a great success even though he never had money. He was a very determined man, a great role model.

Success

If we had pursued what President Nixon declared in 1970 as t

If we had pursued what President Nixon declared in 1970 as the war on cancer, we would have cured many strains. I think Jack Kemp would be alive today. And that research has saved or prolonged many lives, including mine.

War

Strong advocacy for education, health care and worker safety

Strong advocacy for education, health care and worker safety will be indispensable if they are to get their fair share of President Bush's austere budget for the next fiscal year.

Education

Pennsylvania is a very tough state people don't last long in

Pennsylvania is a very tough state people don't last long in Pennsylvania politics.

Politics

I am opposed to anybody making a decision for you or me or a

I am opposed to anybody making a decision for you or me or anybody else about what health care plan we should have.

Health

When the students are occupied, they're not juvenile delinqu

When the students are occupied, they're not juvenile delinquents. I believe that education is a capital investment.

Education

Americans' addiction to sports, with the NFL at the top, is

Americans' addiction to sports, with the NFL at the top, is based on the excitement generated by the potential for the unexpected great play which can only happen with honest competition from great athletes.

Sports

My mother, Lillie Specter, was an angel and totally unintere

My mother, Lillie Specter, was an angel and totally uninterested in politics.

Politics

There's nothing more important than our good health - that's

There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset.

Health