Sestak Swings Back On Specters Call to Repeal DOMA

In response to Senator Arlen Specters post yesterday on the Huffington Post calling for the repeal of The Defense of Marriage Act, Congressman Joe Sestak's Senate campaign issued a statement to the long-time Republican, Senator Specter's latest attempt to follow Joe Sestak's leadership just to help himself politically “As the long-time Republican Senator carries on his attempt to run away from his 30-year Republican record, this time on his vote to support the Defense of Marriage Act, he should be honest about his votes to oppose equal rights for LGBT Americans. He actually voted with Republican Senator Rick Santorum to deny equal benefits to legally married LGBT Americans in the first place. Without Joe Sestak’s leadership in supporting LGBT rights, the Senator would continue to deny married gay and lesbian couples their right to file joint tax returns, receive spouse benefits under social security, take an unpaid leave to take care of a sick or injured partner, or share retirement benefits like straight couples. Senator Specter’s willingness to reposition himself just to help himself politically should give pause to Pennsylvanians who are looking for a loyal Senator who will put principle over politics for the next generation. As Senator, Joe Sestak will continue to stand up for equal rights for all Americans – before, during, and after an election year.”

[nhjeff]

To be fair to Specter, he has one of the better records on GLBT issues in the Senate. He has gone against the Republican Party many times (when he was a Republican) in supporting equality.

I unfortunately remember the rush to pass DOMA in 1996 all too well. You could call the bill one of the most bi-partisan pieces of legislation ever passed. It had 85% support in each house of Congress, and Billy-boy couldn't wait to get his hands on it and sign it.

I'm very happy that today we have choices like Joe Sestak who are unequivocally in our corner and who are willing to take greater risks on our behalves. But Specter, too, has taken political risks in support of our community during times that it was much more dangerous to do so.

[WeTheSheeple]

Specter is nothing but an old political whore who will change his vote whenever his career is in jeopardy.

His DOMA vote in 2004 coincided with a more conservative primary challenger- the same Toomey that prompted Specter to abandon the Republican party for the Dems this year.

Now all of a sudden he's changed his mind on DOMA & DADT because - SURPISE- he has a more liberal primary challenger this time on the Dem side.

I don't know & frankly don't care what Specter truly believes regarding gay rights. All that matter to me is his voting record and the OBVIOUS motivations for those votes.

It's time we stopped voting for people who conveniently change their position depending on their opponent, and start voting for those who are willing to espouse equality from day 1.

GO SESTAK!

[WeTheSheeple]

Ooops, Specter's vote in 2004 was in favor of a U.S. constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Even WORSE than his DOMA vote in 1996.

[JohnInToronto]

The Democrats need to produce less political f*rting and more action.

[Robert]

Go get em Joe.....the democratic party has WAY too many republicans in it already!!

[Travis A]

REPEAL DOMA NOW!

I approved this message