Specter's Latest Flip Flop? The Defense of Marriage Act

Tuesday, 27 October 2009 08:42

In the News

As the Democrat candidates in Pennsylvania’s brutal Senate primary continue to push one another further and further to the left, I just wanted to bring Senator Arlen Specter’s latest flip flop to your attention. According to his Twitter feed last evening:

@SenArlenSpecter Just as we were finally able to pass hate crimes legislation, it's time to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. about 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Of note, Specter voted in favor of DOMA in 1996 and his new position stands in direct contrast to Pennsylvania’s other Democrat Senator, Bob Casey, who recently said "I don’t think that’s the way to go" when asked whether he would vote to repeal DOMA earlier this month.

Please consider the following quote and background information from the NRSC in response:

"Whether he’s shifting his positions on government-run health care, the right for workers to cast a secret ballot, or now the Defense of Marriage Act, Arlen Specter continues to remind Pennsylvanians that one thing will never change - he will always put his own political preservation before principles. Voters in the Commonwealth deserve more than Arlen Specter’s political opportunism or Joe Sestak’s extreme left-wing agenda, and in November 2010 Pat Toomey will offer a real opportunity to restore the checks and balances in Washington that Pennsylvanians deserve." - Amber Wilkerson Marchand, NRSC spokeswoman

Background Information:

In 1996, Specter Voted For DOMA. (H.R. 3396, CQ Vote #280: Passed 85-14: R 53-0; D 32-14, 9/10/96, Specter Voted Yea)

32 Democrat Senators And 118 Democrat Representatives Voted For DOMA. (H.R. 3396, CQ Vote #280: Passed 85-14: R 53-0; D 32-14, 9/10/96; H.R. 3396, CQ Vote #316: Passed 342-67: R 224-1; D 118-65; I 0-1, 7/12/96)

Bill Clinton Signed Defense Of Marriage Act. (PL 104-199, Signed 9/21/96)

Clinton Even Touted Signing DOMA In 1996 Campaign Ad. "Protecting religious freedom, it’s the foundation of our nation. When the Justice Department went after a church to gather the parishioners’ tithing money, the government was stopped cold because President Clinton overturned the government’s policy and protected us. It’s not the only time he’s defended our values. Don’t be misled by Bob Dole’s attack ads. President Clinton wants a complete ban on late-term abortions except when the mother’s life is in danger or faces severe health risks, such as the inability to have another child. The president signed the Defense of Marriage Act, supports curfews and school uniforms to teach our children discipline. The president enacted the v-chip to block out violent TV programs. His crime bill expanded the death penalty for drug kingpins. Bob Dole opposed him and is resorting to untrue negative attacks. President Clinton has fought for our values and America is better for it." ("Ad Promotes Clinton’s Record On Religious Freedom, Gay Marriage Ban," The Associated Press, 10/14/96)

In 2004, During His Republican Primary Campaign Against Pat Toomey Specter Touted His Support For DOMA And Even Said He Would Consider An Amendment To The Constitution. "I voted for the Defense of Marriage Act because I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. . . . If the states cannot preserve the traditions of marriage between a man and a woman, I would be prepared to consider a U.S. constitutional amendment." ("What They’re Saying," Wilkes Barre Times Leader, 3/7/04)

‘"Marriage Is An Institution Between A Man And A Woman, Not Anybody Else,’ Specter Said." (Tom Murse, "Specter Makes Appeal To County Republicans," Lancaster New Era, 3/18/04)

In 2005, Bob Casey, Jr. Said He Supported The Defense Of Marriage Act. "I support the Defense of Marriage Act [passed in 1996, it defines marriage as a union of a man and woman] and a number of states have passed similar measures." (Robert P. Casey, Jr. as quoted in Gar Joseph, "Casey In Hiding? GOP Thinks So," Philadelphia Daily News, 4/29/05)

And Just Recently, When Asked About Repealing DOMA, Sen. Bob Casey Said "I Don’t Think That’s The Way To Go." MR. KING: "On the Defense of Marriage Act, would Senator Bob Casey, Democrat of Pennsylvania, vote to repeal it?" SEN. CASEY: "John, I've said in the past I don't think that's the way to go." (CNN’s "State Of The Union," 10/11/09)