Statement on the Death of Former Senator Arlen Specter

Arlen Specter was always a fighter. From his days stamping out corruption as a prosecutor in Philadelphia to his three decades of service in the Senate, Arlen was fiercely independent. Never putting party or ideology ahead of the people, he was chosen to serve. He brought that same toughness and determination to his personal struggles, using his own story to inspire others. When he announced that his cancer had returned in 2005, Arlen said, "I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart surgery, and many tough political opponents, and I'm going to beat this too." Arlen fought that battle for 7 more years with the same resolve he used to fight for stem cell research funding, veterans' health, and countless other issues that will continue to change lives for years to come. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joan and the rest of the Specter family.