Kerry endorses Specter in Pa. Senate primary

WASHINGTON — Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry on Monday endorsed Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania's contested Senate primary as the incumbent tries to fend off criticism that he used "Swiftboat"-style attacks.

The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee released a statement praising Specter as a "fighter and a friend, and I am proud to vouch for his character." Kerry's press secretary, Whitney Smith, later said Kerry was endorsing Specter.

Specter is in a close race with Rep. Joe Sestak for the Democratic nomination. Specter raised questions about Sestak's Navy record and the retired Navy admiral accused his rival of a "Swift Boat"-style attack.

In 2004, Swiftboat Veterans for Truth made unsubstantiated claims about Kerry's Navy record during the Vietnam War.

In his statement on Monday, Kerry said he didn't want to referee a Swiftboat fight but did want to defend Specter's record.

"That's an issue for the candidates to address and the media to investigate," Kerry said. "However, as the political season turns increasingly heated, I want to insist on a reality check about my colleague, Arlen Specter. I have known Arlen for 25 years and I know his character and the quality of his service to Pennsylvania."

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when he switched from the GOP. Both Obama and Ed Rendell, PA Governor, have given him a lot of support and cash...he seems to be losing anyway.

I am not fond of Sestak - he is a liar and I believe he will be a Blue Dog, but I think he will win.


mark

weak ass endorsement of Specter's 'character' only because Sestak has already passed Specter and internal Dem polling shows Sestak will win. It's Obama. Biden and Reid ass that's being covered by this non-endorsement 'endorsement' of Specter's character. I understand the politics (climate change legislation) even though I can't stand that it was done at all.

Glad he waited to say something nice about Specter till Sestak was far enough ahead.