Specter Turns Blind Eye to Real Problem

Senator Specter is working with Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-DE) on this "fair" piece of legislation: the Justice Integrity Act. Although unfairness in our justice system most likely exists under some circumstances, it is important to remember that the greatest reason a large number of black Americans are inprisoned is because a break down of the family in black neighborhoods, poor education in inner cities, and a willingness to not accept personal responsibility.

The fact is that in order to decrease the number of black Americans in jail is to revitalize the family in black communities, provide better educational and social networks in inner city school systems, and an acceptance that past travesties like slavery and segregation are regrettable, yet behind us.

Instead, Senator Specter and Biden would much prefer to call the justice system racist and attempt to show a correlation between the high rate of imprisonment among black Americans and racism in the system.

Specter Fails to Reach Out to Constituent

This letter to the editor appeared in the Pocono Record on July 29, 2008.

Editor, the Record:

In these tough economic times, we all have to make sacrifices. My wife's rising health insurance costs prompted us to shop around for a better rate. The problem is, no other insurance company will take her with her pre-existing health conditions, thus we're stuck with a high premium and no affordable options.

I contacted Senator Arlen Specter to request some assistance in finding more affordable health insurance. My first phone call was answered and I was told someone would get back to me. I waited a few days with no return call. I called again, and was told again someone would call me back. Again, no return call.

I am dismayed that my representative who is supposed to be "working" for the people can't find the time to offer assistance to his constituents. To this day, no return call and we are still paying sky-high health insurance premiums.

RON GRAVER

Tannersville

New Ratings Provide Liberal Side of Specter

A recent evaluation by the Club for Growth found that Senator Arlen Specter has one of the highest percentages of voting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The study found that Senator Specter voted with liberal Harry Reid 61.7% of the time, the fourth highest rating for a Republican.

The Alliance for Worker Freedom created it's own scorecard as well. While many of the states Republican delegation received high ratings, Senator Specter tied Senator Bob Casey with a 0% rating. Other Democrats who also received a 0% rating are Fattah, Holden, Sestak, Kanjorski, and Murtha.

Former Specter Chief of Staff Helping Liberal Carney

Republican U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter is raising money for Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Carney as he faces a still re-election test, Roll Call reports.

David Urban was Specter's chief of staff for five years, but now he is hosting a $1,000-a-head breakfast for Carney July 16 in Washington.

"While I'm a Republican, I like to think I support solid candidates," Urban told Roll Call.

"[Carney] is a conservative Democrats ... who deserves to be given another shot."
Carney is considered one of the state's most vulnerable Democratic incumbents as he faces businessman and millionaire Chris Hackett in the 10th Congressional District.

The paper also reports Urban has contributed to U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire (D-McCandless) and Republican Tom Manion, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Bristol).