Cornyn On Specter: "Best Bet" To Keep PA Seat With GOP
Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, issued his firm support of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) today in a letter affirming the senator's conservative credentials on issues ranging from keeping "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to support for a ban on so-called partial birth abortions. Specter is likely to face a primary challenge from Pat Toomey, former president of the Club for Growth.
"As I survey the political landscape of the upcoming 2010 elections, it's clear we need more candidates that fit their states," Cornyn wrote. "While I doubt Arlen could win an election in my home state of Texas, I am certain that I could not get elected in Pennsylvania. I believe that Senator Specter is our best bet to keep this Senate seat in the GOP column. A vote for Arlen Specter is a vote for denying Harry Reid and the Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate."
Cornyn notes that Specter shepherded through the Senate Judiciary Committee the nominations of John Roberts as chief justice of the Supreme Court and Samuel A. Alito as associate justice. He says that they don't agree on every issue but that Specter, who was one of three Republicans to vote for Pres. Obama's stimulus package, is a reliable supporter of GOP initiatives.
"My job as head of the NRSC is to guide the GOP back to a majority in the Senate," he added. "I can't do that without Arlen Specter. With him as our nominee, I can target our campaign resources toward beating Democrats and growing the Senate Republican Conference."
Recent polls have shown Specter, elected to the Senate in 1980, could be vulnerable in a primary battle as well as in a general election race against a still undecided Democratic challenger.
The full Cornyn letter is available after the jump.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Senator John Cornyn
Chairman, National Republican Senatorial Committee
March 26, 2009
Dear Friend,
I write today to you and other Pennsylvania GOP leaders on behalf of my friend and colleague, Arlen Specter. His re-election in 2010 is vital if we are to regain our majority in the Senate.
As I survey the political landscape of the upcoming 2010 elections, it's clear we need more candidates that fit their states. While I doubt Arlen could win an election in my home state of Texas, I am certain that I could not get elected in Pennsylvania. I believe that Senator Specter is our best bet to keep this Senate seat in the GOP column. A vote for Arlen Specter is a vote for denying Harry Reid and the Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate.
The political math for Republicans in 2010 is tough. We must defend 19 of our Senate seats -- six of which are in states (such as Pennsylvania) won by President Obama. The Democrats have to defend just 17 of their 59 seats, only two of which are in states Senator McCain won. With just 41 Members in the Senate Republican Conference, it's vital that we focus our limited resources on growing the party and beating Democrats.
The fact that Pennsylvania has become a reliable "blue state" for the Democrats isn't the only reason they're targeting Arlen. For example, they didn't like it when he:
Declared recently he would vote against cloture and oppose the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as 'card check'
Voted against the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" (which would enable government censors to prevent local radio stations from carrying conservative talk radio)
Cast the deciding vote to defeat a bipartisan tax hike in December 2007
Led the GOP's effort to repeal the Democrats' increase of the Alternative Minimum Tax rates
Voted for the Reagan and Bush tax cuts
Sponsored the Flat Tax, the Balanced Budget Amendment and Line-Item Veto
Sponsored the Flag Protection Amendment
Voted to keep "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance
Voted for the Partial Birth Abortion Ban and Defense of Marriage Act
Sponsored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Stood up for Israel's right to protect her citizens against terrorist attacks
Protected the individual right to bear arms enshrined in the 2nd Amendment
Sponsored the bill to deport convicted felons who are illegal aliens
Arlen and I do not agree on every issue, but as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), I rely on Senator Specter for advice and counsel on key issues. As a fellow member of the Judiciary Committee, I've seen Arlen's strong leadership first-hand. His work shepherding through the confirmations of Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito was unparalleled.
My job as head of the NRSC is to guide the GOP back to a majority in the Senate. I can't do that without Arlen Specter. With him as our nominee, I can target our campaign resources toward beating Democrats and growing the Senate Republican Conference. Please join me in that effort.
Thank you.
Sincerely Yours,
Senator John Cornyn
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