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Biden vouches for Specter

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor May 21, 2009 12:17 PM

Vice President Joe Biden, who helped persuade Senator Arlen Specter to switch parties, is now holding up his end of the bargain.

Biden, who sweet-talked to Specter as they rode the train together to Washington, sent an email today to Pennsylvania Democrats, urging them to support Specter in the Democratic primary next year.

"His independence, integrity, and piercing intellect will continue to be a tremendous asset to the people of Pennsylvania, and now, to the Democratic caucus in the Senate," Biden wrote.

"I know that he'll keep up his great work on issues ranging from cancer research funding to global warming, deficit control to immigration reform -- and in our coming debate to reform America's health care system. Thousands of you have already written messages of support, welcoming Arlen to the party, and he was tremendously pleased to receive them. I know that once you come to know him like I do, you'll be just as happy as I am to have him."

President Obama has also offered his support, but other Democrats have questioned Specter's loyalty, noting that he voted against Obama and Democratic leaders even after the switch and saying they'd prefer a "real Democrat."

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Yep, he's the Democrats' problem now!

Posted by J.B. May 21, 09 12:51 PM
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