NRSC formally backs Specter in 2010

Senator John Cornyn, you are not living up to the new principled GOP that we need.  This action has further divided our party.  Senator Specter is not worthy of our support.  We need to find a replacement that will support the principles of the Constitution.  By this very recommendation, you have made it clear as to the continued character of the GOP leadership.  NO MORE!!!

 

We need main street conservatives who will draw from the democrats in blue states and turn them red.  We also need those blue collar leadership types in the red states or they will turn third party.

 

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NRSC formally backs Specter in 2010

Letter sent by Senator Cornyn

March 26, 2009

Dear Friend,

I write today to you and other Pennsylvania GOP leaders on behalf of my friend and colleague, Arlen Specter. His re-election in 2010 is vital if we are to regain our majority in the Senate.

As I survey the political landscape of the upcoming 2010 elections, it's clear we need more candidates that fit their states. While I doubt Arlen could win an election in my home state of Texas, I am certain that I could not get elected in Pennsylvania. I believe that Senator Specter is our best bet to keep this Senate seat in the GOP column. A vote for Arlen Specter is a vote for denying Harry Reid and the Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate.

The political math for Republicans in 2010 is tough. We must defend 19 of our Senate seats — six of which are in states (such as Pennsylvania) won by President Obama. The Democrats have to defend just 17 of their 59 seats, only two of which are in states Senator McCain won. With just 41 Members in the Senate Republican Conference, it's vital that we focus our limited resources on growing the party and beating Democrats.

The fact that Pennsylvania has become a reliable "blue state" for the Democrats isn't the only reason they're targeting Arlen. For example, they didn't like it when he:

• Declared recently he would vote against cloture and oppose the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as 'card check'
• Voted against the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" (which would enable government censors to prevent local radio stations from carrying conservative talk radio)
• Cast the deciding vote to defeat a bipartisan tax hike in December 2007
• Led the GOP's effort to repeal the Democrats' increase of the Alternative Minimum Tax rates
• Voted for the Reagan and Bush tax cuts
• Sponsored the Flat Tax, the Balanced Budget Amendment and Line-Item Veto
• Sponsored the Flag Protection Amendment
• Voted to keep "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance
• Voted for the Partial Birth Abortion Ban and Defense of Marriage Act
• Sponsored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
• Stood up for Israel's right to protect her citizens against terrorist attacks
• Protected the individual right to bear arms enshrined in the 2nd Amendment
• Sponsored the bill to deport convicted felons who are illegal aliens

Arlen and I do not agree on every issue, but as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), I rely on Senator Specter for advice and counsel on key issues. As a fellow member of the Judiciary Committee, I've seen Arlen's strong leadership first-hand. His work shepherding through the confirmations of Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito was unparalleled.

My job as head of the NRSC is to guide the GOP back to a majority in the Senate. I can't do that without Arlen Specter. With him as our nominee, I can target our campaign resources toward beating Democrats and growing the Senate Republican Conference. Please join me in that effort.

Thank you.

Sincerely Yours,

Senator John Cornyn