Wow, I just learned a little bit ago that Specter voted for DOMA

[MH1]

I was wondering why so many of my LGBT friends were supporting Sestak when folks here claim he "isn't really progressive". (ok not really :) )

anyway I guess that goes right along with wanting a flat tax and to eliminate the estate tax: the new "progressive" positions of the Pennsylvania forum on DU!*


* ok I know it's just the positions of a few (mostly) recent members... just kidding to the rest of y'all

[wisteria]

1. Well, I have no problem with his support of civil unions. I am sure, if Senator Kerry

could be pursuaded to see his original position was wrong, Specter could also be convinced to see his position is out dated. But, many other Democrats in office are uncomfortable with this issue also. And, for me, this is not a burning issue and I suspect many other PA residents feel the same way.

[Number9Dream]

2. How about Specter's DISMAL voting record on these issues?

Arlen Specter’s Recovery Act cuts cost Pennsylvania about 1.6 billion dollars:

http://youngphillypolitics.com/arlen_specter039s_responsibility_pennsylvania_budget_crisis

Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore.

Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy.

http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Arlen_Specter_Corporations.htm

Voted FOR telecom immunity.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/12/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3821504.shtml

Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Arlen_Specter.htm

Specter created a chart which helped derail Clinton health care reforms.

http://mediamatters.org/research/200709180008

snip> "Republican Sen. Arlen Specter's office created the chart, and press reports at the time cited experts or administration officials saying that the chart distorted the Clinton proposal and ignored the greater complexity of Republican proposals and of the existing system."

Specter scores 32% by The League of Conservation Voters on environmental issues, indicating generally anti-environment votes.

http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Arlen_Specter_Environment.htm

Specter: "Senator Santorum's reelection is my top priority in 2006."

http://rittenhouse.blogspot.com/2006/03/sen.html

[T Wolf]

3. But, but, but... He is now a Democrat and can be trusted to... I've said it before - it would be

worth the price to see Toomey win if it meant sending Spectre into retirement.

Of course, I would prefer Sestak, but no Spectre under any circumstances.

Sometimes, you do have to break some eggs to make an omelet.

[MH1]

4. DOMA outlaws equal benefits to same-sex unions

whether or not they are called marriage, as I understand it.

Which is why I have a huge problem with it. I have had some LGBT forum members mad at me because I understand why some don't want to call it 'marriage' - but if it's domestic partnership with EXACTLY the same rights and benefits ... except DOMA disallows even that!

Maybe some people closer to the issue can weigh in and confirm what I'm saying here, but I'm pretty sure I'm correct (or I wouldn't be posting).