Harrisburg – October 14, 2012 – State Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) released the following comments on the death of former Sen. Arlen Specter. Specter, longtime U.S. Senator, former Philadelphia district attorney and military veteran died this morning in Philadelphia.

[frame align=”right”][/frame]”I am greatly saddened by the loss of one of Pennsylvania’s greatest lawmakers, former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. Sen. Specter was the longest serving U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania who worked tirelessly for all the citizens of Pennsylvania.

“His strength and optimism in the face of debilitating illness was both remarkable and admiring. He led a relentless fight for stem cell research, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease research and was a main player in many critical historical moments, including working with the Warren Commission

“Sen. Specter was a constituent and a friend. He will be forever remembered for his tenacity, his independent streak and for being a moderate in the face of intense partisanship throughout his career in public service. He truly fought for the people.

“He was a great legislator and will be missed.”