Specter defends voting record

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Facing a conservative challenger in a tightening re-election race, Sen. Arlen Specter staunchly defended his independent voting record Monday and said it is important to have centrist Republicans in a gridlocked Senate.
Specter also said the growing controversy over what the government knew -- and did -- before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks would give "black eyes all around."
In a 75-minute interview with Associated Press reporters and editors, Specter touted his 24-year record and defended his evolving positions on the death penalty for Saddam Hussein, President Bush's tax cuts and judicial appointments.
The issues have all provided ammunition for conservative Rep. Pat Toomey, who is giving Specter, seeking his fifth term, the most serious primary challenge to a sitting senator this year. The April 27 race is being carefully watched as the Republicans' slim 51-seat majority in the Senate hangs in the balance. It also is considered a litmus test of the strength of the GOP's right wing by national conservatives who are pouring more than $1 million worth of contributions and attack ads into the state to help Toomey.
President Bush will make his 27th visit to the state Monday at a Pittsburgh rally for Specter.