Quotes from Arlen Specter

But one way or another, judges perform a very vital function in our society. They have a risky job and they are entitled to security.

It is with unwelcome frequency that I find myself the deciding vote.

Cannibals are devouring senators.

When Pat Robertson says there is no constitutional doctrine of separation of church and state, I say he is wrong.

Pennsylvania is a very tough state; people don't last long in Pennsylvania politics.

I don't expect people to agree with all my votes.

Voting is fundamental in our democracy. It has yielded enormous returns.

I am very much opposed to abortion personally. But I don't think it is the government's rule.

As the Republican Party has moved farther and farther to the right, I have found myself increasingly at odds with the Republican philosophy and more in line with the philosophy of the Democratic Party.

Effective security measures do not come cheap.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party.

Separation of power says the judiciary committee is supposed to confirm qualified judges and then what the Supreme Court does, that is their function, not my function.

Well, I believe that when you are confirming a United States Supreme Court Justice, that it really isn't Democratic or Republican; it's American.

The solicitor general is sometimes referred to as the 10th Supreme Court justice - a pretty important position.

There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset.

I think my independence was a big help to getting Judges Roberts and Alito confirmed, and I think that's recognized.

It's a rarity when someone takes a political risk in Washington today in the public interest.

I must say I am not pleased to have to arrange the Senate schedule around the availability of Senators who are running for President.

The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation.

Big money is ruining the political system.

I have not taken a position on that nuclear option. My view is I'm not going to do anything until I come to that bridge. I'm not going to jump off the bridge until I come to it.

Lawyers advocate more so than state their own positions.

I'm ordinarily pretty correct in what I say.

I think it's scandalous that we haven't done more to cure cancer.