July 9, 2009
Posted: July 9th, 2009 07:11 PM ET

From
Arlen Specter called fellow Democrat and Joe Sestak a 'flagrant hypocrite' Thursday.
Arlen Specter called fellow Democrat and Joe Sestak a 'flagrant hypocrite' Thursday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter called his fellow Democrat, Rep. Joe Sestak, a "flagrant hypocrite" and accused his rival of registering as a Democrat "just in time to run for Congress."

Sestak has said that he will challenge Specter, who has the backing of President Obama and party leaders, for the Democratic Senate nomination next year. Specter, a longtime Republican, switched his party registration to Democrat this year.

On Thursday, Specter's campaign sought to bring into question Sestak's roots to the Democratic Party. Specter's campaign sent out a list of Sestak's voting history in Delaware County, which the senator's campaign said showed that Sestak registered as an Independent in 1971, didn't vote in any primary elections from 1971-2005 and that he officially registered as a Democrat in February of 2006. Sestak was elected as a Democrat to the House in 2006.

"Congressman Sestak is a flagrant hypocrite in challenging my being a real Democrat when he did not register as a Democrat until 2006 just in time to run for Congress," Specter said in the statement. "His lame excuse for avoiding party affiliation, because he was in the service, is undercut by his documented disinterest in the political process."

Update, 7:11 p.m.: In a statement given to CNN, Sestak defended his record, saying he was an Independent while he served in the Navy because he believed that "military officers should be nonpartisan." He said he voted numerous times by absentee ballot, but that it is "all too common" for military votes to go uncounted because they arrive late.

"We've learned today that Arlen Specter can abandon his party, but he just cant quit making Republican swift-boat attacks on the integrity of Democrats who served in our military," Sestak also said in the statement. He added, "My question to Arlen Specter is this: do you regret voting for George Bush and John McCain? Why should Democrats support someone like you who actively campaigned as recently as last year for politicians with values like George W. Bush?"

Filed under: Arlen Specter • Joe Sestak • Popular Posts


Snarlin’ Arlen strikes again! Only in politics… - bk’s blog - RedState web01.prod.theplanet.eaglepub.com 174.120.27.221   August 13th, 2009 11:57 am ET

[...] a link to this gem at the Corner. One sentence is enough to tell you how priceless this story is. On Thursday, [...]

Sestak Attacked! « Brief Wit   July 14th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

[...] defended himself, saying he was an Independent while in the Navy because he felt "military officers should be [...]

Specter satarizes self - Philadelphia Speaks Forum - Neighborhoods, Sports, Restaurants and more   July 10th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

[...] satarizes self Specter rips Sestak for not being a party loyalist. [...]

Specter Vs. Sestak | Oliver Willis   July 10th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

[...] This might be a decent line of attack from Arlen Specter... if he hadn't just become a Democrat five minutes ago after multiple decades as a Republican. Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter called his fellow Democrat, Rep. Joe Sestak, a 'flagrant hypocrite' and accused his rival of registering as a Democrat 'just in time to run for Congress.' [...]

Today’s Tidbits   July 10th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

[...] Specter: Sestak a 'flagrant hypocrite' What ya know another 'pot' calling a 'kettle' black. [...]

Name-Calling Contest | Neptunus Lex   July 10th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

[...] turned Republican turned Democrat Senator Arlen Specter (Confused, PA) has accused Vice Admiral turned Rear Admiral (retired) turned Congressman Slave Driver Joe Sestak of being a [...]

Specter Challenges Sestak’s Party Credentials | linkthe.com   July 10th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

[...] and accused his rival of registering as a Democrat "just in time to run for Congress," CNN [...]

Specter says Sestak a ‘flagrant hypocrite’ | BitsBlog   July 10th, 2009 11:39 am ET

[...] know, there are times when you just have to let it out, and laugh in their faces. WASHINGTON (CNN) – Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter called his fellow Democrat, Rep. Joe Sestak, a "flagrant [...]

Pot Thy Name is Kettle Black « Samaritans Scalawags Scoundrels Fleecing the Sheep   July 10th, 2009 11:32 am ET

[...] Democrat just in time to run for Congress. Please do not make me projectile vomit Senator Specter! According to the CNN article about the subject – Sestak registered from an Independent to a De... Hmm at least Sestak beats Specter in seniority as a member of the Democrat Party by almost three [...]

Fridday mid-morning one-liners « wrightandleftreport   July 10th, 2009 10:36 am ET

[...] Battle of the democrats:  Arlen Specter vs Joe Sestak. [...]

Clarence Thomas’s Patron Tries to Swiftboat Joe Sestak | TaylorMarsh.com   July 10th, 2009 9:55 am ET

[...] 10 July 2009 9:55 am by Taylor Marsh “"We've learned today that Arlen Specter can abandon his party, but he just cant quit making Republican swift-boat attacks on the integrity of Democrats who served in our military," Sestak also said in the statement. He added, "My question to Arlen Specter is this: do you regret voting for George Bush and John McCain? Why should Democrats support someone like you who actively campaigned as recently as last year for politicians with values like George W. Bush?" – CNN... "Specter: Sestak a 'flagrant hypocrite'" [...]

Friday Potpourri « Teh Resistance Blog   July 10th, 2009 9:54 am ET

[...] Benedict Arlen Specter calls his Democrat primary opponent a phony Democrat. Arlen claims he's the real deal, and his opponent didn't register as a Democrat until 2006... while Arlen's been a secret Democrat for decades. If Arlen had ever heard of the internet, he'd know this is the equivalent of screaming "NOOB!" [...]

Specter Challenges Sestak’s Party Credentials | GroupHelp.NET - Easy everything!   July 10th, 2009 9:44 am ET

[...] Democrat" and accused his rival of registering as a Democrat "just in time to run for Congress," CNN reports. Said Specter: "His lame excuse for avoiding party affiliation, because he was in the [...]

That Explains the “Moonwalking…” | DEEP BRAIN DIARY   July 10th, 2009 8:15 am ET

[...] to me, if I were Arlen Specter, the last thing I would wanna do is call anyone ELSE a [...]

stormerF   July 10th, 2009 12:00 am ET

spector has a lot of room to throw names around.After his treason to his constituents.

Matt, San Diego, CA   July 9th, 2009 11:51 pm ET

Pot calling the kettle black? Should be an interesting race.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   July 9th, 2009 11:39 pm ET

Well, I guess there is the first mud slinging of the primary. I just hope that who ever gets the nomination can win in November.

tess   July 9th, 2009 11:38 pm ET

the unmitigated gall of spector of all people calling anybody a hypocrit is the funniest thing i've read in all blogdom! that should be the lead joke on every late nite show on tv and every radio talk show tomorrow! i think it proves beyond a doubt that spector has lost his mind and really needs to go to the home for washed up idiots =========

Scott of Utah   July 9th, 2009 11:37 pm ET

I can not believe specter is calling out his opponent for "not being a real democrat." Specter was a republican just a few months ago. He is calling his opponent a hipocrite, but he is the hipocrite here.

Charlie in Maine   July 9th, 2009 11:28 pm ET

Man I love my party's ideas but sometomes their tactics are like a circular firing squad. Arlen Specter has done the party and the country a world of good by switching. He has made the GOP look petty and mean. Every Democrat in PA should give whatever time and money they can spare to help their Senator get re-elected and not be wasting any time or effort bad -mouthing the guy.

Just asking   July 9th, 2009 11:15 pm ET

Let me get this straight. Specter is accusing Sestak of hypocracy?? And Sestak doesn't have roots in the democratic party??

Johnny DC   July 9th, 2009 11:14 pm ET

THIS IS FLAT OUT UNBELIEVABLE.

Arlen Specter is everything wrong with our political system. I am all for the protection of free speech, but in this case, it's appalling. Specter is the Obama of this PA campaign... he has all the backing and support of his (ha ha ha "his") party, and he will smear and libel the crap out of his opponent. Reminds me of the McCain hates women, McCain will tax your heath care, McCain won't bring the troops home lies.

So much for those promises.

aCorNN watchdog   July 9th, 2009 11:12 pm ET

Unlike Burris, the Democratic politburo doesn't want Spector to assume his position under the bus until they have used his vote in the Senate a few more times.

Nijil   July 9th, 2009 11:12 pm ET

isn't this coming from the man who admitted to becoming a Democrat because he knew he would lose as a Republican?

Please, go home Specter. It's time to bow out of the Senate admirably.

vic richard   July 9th, 2009 11:12 pm ET

"Sestak graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in American political systems.[3] Between tours at sea, Sestak earned a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. in political economy and government from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard in 1980 and 1984,"

Hardly the resume of someone "disinterested in the political process"

Arlen is getting worried. We need people in the Senate with Joe's qualifications and intellect.

Congress Crooks   July 9th, 2009 11:06 pm ET

This just proves how delusional this guy really is. I thought I was misreading this article at first. Is Specter, the man who recently changed his party affiliation because he had no chance to win as a republican, criticizing someone who changed their party affiliation 3 years ago. Specter did some good things in his time, but he is officially toast in my mind. It is past due for him to go regardless of being a republican or democrat. I think this just proves how much of his mind he has really lost

David   July 9th, 2009 11:05 pm ET

Arlen Specter only switched to a Democrat on paper in an attempt to keep his job. But his voting record speaks for itself.

Sestak stood on the side lines and too the cop out path as an 'independent', in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for what Democrats or Republicans did. And not standing for anything.

Of the two, at least Specter took responsibility and actually voted his conscious in previous elections. That's one thing that can't be said for Sestak.

Rasheen   July 9th, 2009 10:56 pm ET

I have two brothers who serve in the Navy. They both tell me there is no such rule or regulation that tells people to be non-partisan. They said that there is no way of telling what a person's affiliation is any way, it's not that it's broadcast up on a Billboard or anything like that, so that allegation is completely absurd. I would also state that declaring yourself an Independent is no less partisan, in and of itself, is it not?
"saying he was an Independent while he served in the Navy because he believed that "military officers should be nonpartisan." He said he voted numerous times by absentee ballot, but that it is "all too common" for military votes to go uncounted because they arrive late.

Saying that absentee ballots frequently arrive late, while it is in fact true, seems completely irrelevant and is thrown in there as a distractor.

"We've learned today that Arlen Specter ... just cant quit making Republican swift-boat attacks on the integrity of Democrats who served in our military,"

He has never made ANY attacks on members of the military whatsoever. Name one. Have mr. Sestak provide just ONE example of what he's talking about. CNN, can YOU provide just one example of mr. Specter EVER making any attacks, "Swift Boat" or otherwise, against any member of the military to support your claim? I'll bet you can't. But you printed in your article that he "just can't stop" doing it...what's the deal?

Hayden   July 9th, 2009 10:55 pm ET

Sestak has still been a Democrat longer than you have, Arlen.

Tatianna   July 9th, 2009 10:51 pm ET

Its dishonest for Sestak to accuse Spector of swift-boat attacks. Sestak is using his military service as a political to challenge Spector in election. Sestak should redirect the statement and question to President Obama and dem party leaders: Why are you supporting someone like Spector who actively campaigned as recently as last year for politicians with values like GW Bush, for the dem senate nomination next year? BREAKING NEWS – Independents leary of Obamas policies, agenda and governing as the POTUS. Those of us warning fellow Americans about Obama are being proven right much sooner than we thought.

jj   July 9th, 2009 10:46 pm ET

Sestak seems more trustworthy, Specter not so much........ Sestak Vs Specter is like Obama Vs McCain, out with the old grumpy guy and in with the new fresh ideas. Rep. Sestak, go get him he is just feeling the heat...

Hopeful Optimist   July 9th, 2009 10:42 pm ET

I agree with Sestak completely. I think career military officers should remain neutral, at least publicly, for their ultimate boss is a civilian. They should not have to place themselves in the awkward position of declaring their political leanings.

Specter should understand and respect this situation. I have no doubt that Rep. Sestak is an honorable individual, and I would vote for him if I were from PA. I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I doubt if I would vote for Specter. He may call Sestk a hypocrit, but I would call Specter a political opportunist.

Former Republican Never Again   July 9th, 2009 9:30 pm ET

Spector is a flagrant hypocrite for campaigning against Obama then running as a Democrat just in time to run for re-election. Spector knows that members of the Armed Forces cannot openly campaign for candidates.

Alex in WI   July 9th, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Specters the flaming hypocrite. At least Sestak isn't on his second party switch and counting. SPECTER, LIEBERMAN AND BEN NELSON need to call it quits so real democrats can get in there.

Neilz   July 9th, 2009 9:25 pm ET

Specter's been played like an old banjo.
Sestak is the future of that district. Everybody, including Obama, knows it. Sestak represents the changing face of that district. Young, moderate and connected. Specter will be forced to make an aggressive but token play for the seat. The Party will back Sestak.
Specter is yesterday's news. He's fulfilled his purpose and now the Democrats will put him to political sleep.

Melissa - PA   July 9th, 2009 9:19 pm ET

wait to go Joe! Specter has no right to be questioning's someone's loyalty to the democratic party, and the more he tries to do so, the more ridiculous he looks. You have my vote Joe.

Keith in Austin   July 9th, 2009 9:16 pm ET

Coming from Arlen, the comment just doesn't hold much water.

Glennis   July 9th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

He ought to know a hypocrite when he sees one. But Specter is worse than a hypocrite. He's a two faced, self-serving hack who needs to sit down and shut up.

John-Philadelphia, PA   July 9th, 2009 9:09 pm ET

Arlen Specter did his homework, and won this round! Sestak is truly a hypocrite. (By the way, Specter served in the USAF, so Sestak's statement of response is doubly fallacious).

Tim   July 9th, 2009 9:05 pm ET

Is Spector as stupid as he looks?

LanciaV6   July 9th, 2009 9:05 pm ET

From what I see in the budget numbers coming from the beltway, this will be considered mild language by the end of the next session.

John   July 9th, 2009 9:03 pm ET

Did you really just accuse someone else of not really being a Democrat? Really, Arlen?

REPUB OF LA.   July 9th, 2009 9:02 pm ET

i hope and pray Speter loses big ! BIG!!!!

Penn Voter   July 9th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

Spector, you are calling the kettle black. All of us know that you only changed parties to avoid having your hat handed to you in the GOP primary.

Do the state a favor and bow with grace.

because he was in the service   July 9th, 2009 9:00 pm ET

Specter is on some fragile ground her

calling a member of the service a hypocrit for not registering as a demo or repub

afraid of competition specter?

cole   July 9th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

So surprised. Specter is the hypocrite, so he tries to accuse Sestak. Classic misdirection. Comon PA voter,s see through it.

eamon mccaffery   July 9th, 2009 8:42 pm ET

I cursed my union for endorsing Specter simply because he is from philadelphia. I told them he would screw them when they needed him the most and he did, twice. As for Sestak, I have learned not to trust Military brass as far as I could launch them from a missile silo.I believe every member in congress and of the Supreme Court should be replaced with regular everyday working men and women, people who actually sweat for a living wage.

Scott, Tucson   July 9th, 2009 8:41 pm ET

Poor Arlen..he really was not looking at having any competition, maybe he ought to look for a nice retirement home to move to when he leaves office.

PA Dem Voter   July 9th, 2009 8:40 pm ET

Specter's desperate. He knows he can't win against Sestak; he's grossly overestimated the amount of support he's going to win in the Democratic Primary. These personal, ad-hoc attacks might have worked in the other party, but Democratic voters aren't going to buy into them.

Phat Elvis   July 9th, 2009 8:34 pm ET

For a former republican, Sen Spector was not bad. i am glad he came over to our party and look forward to his work as a centrist. However, the Senator would be wise to recognize his long service doesnt translate into an automatic entitlement to serve, and should welcome the opportunity to debate Rep. Sestak. Any person worth his salt is not afraid of competition; Sen Spector has decades of experience on his side, and he should conduct himself in the manner his Office deserves. On that matter, the tone he struck today leaves something to be desired.

Sam I Am   July 9th, 2009 8:30 pm ET

Takes one to know one.

Tired of Sludge   July 9th, 2009 8:30 pm ET

Spector is the last person who should be casting that stone. Spector already admitted the reason he changed to Democrat "just in time to run for [re-election]" and only because he can't win a Republican primary. Spector has been carrying water for the Republicans up until a couple months ago; Sestak has not.

Will the real "flagrant hypocrite" please stand up?

On a side note, Is Spector saying that all of the millions of independents who have recently come off the fence and joined the Democratic Party are hypocrites? That's not a way to win friends and influence people.

Kenyan Wonder Kid   July 9th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

A statement from a black kettle smoking pot.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@PrestonCNN: RT: MMStewart Just posted: Top Dem explains slavery remark, doesn't apologize http://bit.ly/6KEGM3
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:27:32 -0800
hambypCNN: Steele and Kaine square off on health care, jobs, and Steele talks (a little bit) about his new book ... http://bit.ly/6kbvKz
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:37:59 -0800
@HornickCNN: White House to government: Continue to open up: http://bit.ly/6SC11i
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:07:15 -0800
hambypCNN: Michael Steele has a book coming out in Jan. Asked about it on CNN, Steele demurs: "Ya, that's what I'm hearing somewhere down the line."
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:08 -0800
hambypCNN: @DanDoranBlum nice. hopefully you get two big wins over Pitt in one week.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:42:32 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP