PA: Bork backs Specter's rival in Senate race

[goobergunch]

He says the judiciary leadership is a concern. Specter helped keep Bork off the high court.
By Patrick Kerkstra
Inquirer Staff Writer

When former President Ronald Reagan nominated conservative jurist Robert H. Bork for the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987, Sen. Arlen Specter doomed Bork's bid with sharp questioning and a party-line-crossing "no" vote.

More than 16 years later, Bork has struck back.

Saying he was alarmed by the likelihood that Specter would become chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee if reelected, Bork yesterday endorsed U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, a conservative who is challenging Specter in the April primary.

"He'll have a strong influence on the kind of judges we get. I think that's reason enough to hope he won't win," Bork said of Specter, speaking to reporters shortly before a fund-raiser for Toomey in Pittsburgh. Toomey represents the 15th Congressional District, which includes part of Montgomery County as well as Northampton and Lehigh Counties.

On the Judiciary Committee in 1987 Specter made clear that he doesn't favor judges like Bork. Three weeks of tense hearings - Specter later called it a "battle royal" - helped establish the confrontational culture that characterizes confirmations today.

more...http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/local/7657206.htm

[La_Serpiente]

1. Bork has come back to haunt Specter

I hope that Specter loses in the primary. If he does, then the Democratic nominee has a chance to pick up a seat (that is if Philidelphians come out in large numbers).

[davidinalameda]

2. this is looking more and more like a seat we can pick up

the primary is going to be a bloodbath!

[PROGRESSIVE1]

3. May the Pennsylvania Rethugs implode!

:kick: