Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., spoke at the opening ceremonies of the College Democrats of America's national convention, held in Betts Theatre in the Marvin Center. Caroline Coppel/Hatchet photographer
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., asserted his independent voting record Thursday night at the official kickoff of the College Democrats of America national convention, which is being held on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus.
Specter, who became a Democrat in April 2009, said party politics have never been his first priority at the event’s opening ceremonies, which were held in the Betts Theatre in the Marvin Center.
The keynote speaker said he supported traditional Democratic issues, such as health care and women’s reproductive rights, even before he left the GOP. As a Republican, Specter said, he “provided a key vote” for the stimulus package.
“I knew that when I cast that vote, it was politically risky,” he said.
Regarding his 2010 Senate race, Specter said he was “willing to take on any challenges in the fall.” He was also confident that he would regain seniority in his Senate committees, but he was “going to be patient about it.”
Specter’s appearance at the ceremony was delayed due to an emergency vote in the Senate. Specter had to cut his speech short in order to cast another vote on Capitol Hill, but still took several questions from audience members.
“I’m glad the College Democrats had a chance to welcome Senator Specter into the party,” said Cory Struble, former president of the GW College Democrats.
This is the 50th annual CDA national convention; the last convention held at GW was in 1979. More than 300 people are expected to attend, including some big party names: House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., appeared at a luncheon earlier today, and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) will speak at the Jack Morton Auditorium on Saturday.
