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October 15, 2012

Former Senator Arlen Specter Dies at 82 
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Former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has died at the age of 82.
Specter achieved national prominence in the early 1990s during the
confirmation hearings of future Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas,
when he harshly questioned Anita Hill, the law professor who had accused
Thomas of sexual harassment. Specter drew criticism after accusing Hill
of "perjury" and helping to push through Thomas' controversial
appointment. A longtime Republican, Specter again made headlines in 2009
when he crossed the aisle to join the Democrats. He retired after losing
his seat the following year.

 

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