Statement by the President on the Passing of
Arlen Specter
Arlen Specter was always a fighter. From
his days stamping out corruption as a prosecutor in Philadelphia to his three
decades of service in the Senate, Arlen was fiercely independent – never
putting party or ideology ahead of the people he was chosen to serve. He
brought that same toughness and determination to his personal struggles, using
his own story to inspire others. When he announced that his cancer had
returned in 2005, Arlen said, "I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart
surgery and many tough political opponents and I'm going to beat this,
too." Arlen fought that battle for seven more years with the same
resolve he used to fight for stem-cell research funding, veterans’ health, and
countless other issues that will continue to change lives for years to
come. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joan and the rest
of the Specter family.
Statement by Vice President Joe
Biden
Jill and I are deeply saddened. Arlen Specter
was a great Senator who lived his life the way he died, with dignity and
courage. He was my friend and I admired him a great deal.
For over three decades, I watched his political
courage accomplish great feats and was awed by his physical courage to never
give up. Arlen never walked away from his principles and was at his best
when they were challenged.
Jill and I are thinking of Joan at the moment –
she was an incredible partner through his life journey. Our hearts go out to
Shanin and Stephen and all who were deeply touched by his life.
No comments:
Post a Comment