Arlen Specter

Arlen Specter (February 12, 1930 – October 14, 2012) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania for five terms (1981–2011). One of the longest-serving senators in Pennsylvania history, Specter was known for his centrist positions and willingness to work across party lines.

Early Life and Legal Career

Specter was born in Wichita, Kansas, and grew up in Russell, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Yale Law School.

Warren Commission

As an assistant counsel to the Warren Commission investigating President Kennedy's assassination (1964), Specter developed the controversial "single-bullet theory" (sometimes called the "magic bullet theory"), which explained how a single bullet caused multiple wounds to both Kennedy and Governor John Connally.

Philadelphia District Attorney

Specter served as Philadelphia District Attorney from 1966 to 1974. As DA, he:

• Prosecuted organized crime
• Investigated police corruption
• Built a reputation as a tough, independent prosecutor

U.S. Senate Career

Specter served in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 2011, initially as a Republican. He was known for:

Major Positions

• Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee
• Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee
• Senior member of the Appropriations Committee

Notable Actions

• Cross-examination of Anita Hill during Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings (1991)
• Opposition to Robert Bork's Supreme Court nomination
• Support for Roe v. Wade as a Republican senator
• Advocacy for increased medical research funding

Party Switch

In April 2009, Specter switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party, citing the Republican Party's shift to the right. The switch was controversial and ultimately contributed to his defeat in the 2010 Democratic primary.

Political Style

Specter was known as a centrist and moderate who:

• Crossed party lines on key votes
• Focused on constituent services for Pennsylvania
• Advocated for medical research funding
• Took independent positions on judicial nominations

His willingness to break with his party made him influential but also earned him enemies in both parties.

Philadelphia Legacy

Specter maintained strong ties to Philadelphia throughout his career:

• Remained a resident of Philadelphia
• Taught at the University of Pennsylvania Law School
• Was known for regular constituent office hours in the city
• Died in Philadelphia in 2012

Personal Life

Specter was married to Joan Specter, a Philadelphia City Council member. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2005, battled brain cancer, and died in 2012 at age 82.

See Also

• Philadelphia City Council
• Philadelphia District Attorney
• University of Pennsylvania