Is Arlen Specter Jewish?

Short Presentation

Arlen Specter was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Democratic Party before switching to the Republican Party for the majority of his career, and then returning to the Democratic Party later in his life.

Early Life

Arlen Specter was born on February 12, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in a Jewish family that had immigrated from Russia. Specter attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and later graduated from Yale Law School.

Personal Life

Specter married Joan Levy in 1953, and together they had two sons, Shanin and Stephen. He was known for his resilience, surviving multiple bouts with serious illnesses, including a brain tumor and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Professional Life

Arlen Specter began his career as a lawyer before entering politics. He served as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia and gained national attention as a member of the Warren Commission. Specter was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980 and served five terms, where he was known for his moderate and independent views.

What Were Arlen Specter's Notable Achievements?

Arlen Specter was instrumental in the passage of several pieces of significant legislation, including the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was also known for his work on the Senate Judiciary Committee, particularly during Supreme Court nomination hearings.

Did Arlen Specter Face Any Scandals?

While Arlen Specter was a controversial figure at times, he did not face any major personal scandals. However, his political career was marked by contentious moments, such as his questioning during the Anita Hill hearings and his party switch in 2009.