Who Is Arlen Specter? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Arlen Specter was born on February 12, 1930, and passed away on October 14, 2012. He was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania from 1981 to 2011. Known for his complex political views and bipartisanship, Specter played a pivotal role in several significant legislative decisions during his tenure. Despite his passing, his contributions to politics remain relevant in discussions of American governance and legal reform.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1930 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 October, 2012 |
| Died Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Popularity
Arlen Specter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a public figure, Arlen Specter was often in the spotlight, but specific details regarding his height and weight were not commonly highlighted. However, it's known that he had a distinguished presence, standing tall and commanding attention during debates and public appearances. His exact measurements remain undocumented, as he was more recognized for his political influence rather than physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Arlen Specter was married to Joan Specter, with whom he had three children. The couple had a long and enduring marriage, enduring challenges in the public eye and private sphere. While there are no records of any controversies regarding his personal relationships outside of his marriage, Specter's dedication to family was frequently mentioned in interviews and speeches, emphasizing the importance of family values in his life.
Specter was Jewish, and wrote in his memoir, Passion for Truth, that his father's family was the only Jewish family in the village. The family lived at 940 South Emporia Street in Wichita before moving to Russell, Kansas, where he graduated from Russell High School in 1947.
Russell is also the hometown of fellow politician Bob Dole (who graduated from Russell High School in 1941). Specter said that his father weighed items from his junkyard on a scale owned by Dole's father Doran Dole (who owned a granary). He said his brother Morton and Dole's brother Kenny were contemporaries and friends.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Arlen Specter's net worth was estimated to be between $3 million to $10 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his extensive career in politics and law. As a long-serving senator, Specter earned a notable salary, alongside incomes derived from his legal practice and various investments throughout his life.
In 1995, he was the only Republican to vote to limit tax cuts to individuals with incomes of less than one million dollars. He voted against CAFTA. Specter also supported an increase in the federal minimum wage. He was a leading supporter of the U.S. Public Service Academy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Specter's political career began as Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia. He served two terms as a United States Senator and was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Specter was known for his independence and pragmatism, often crossing party lines to collaborate on significant legislative issues, including the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices and healthcare reform. Following his long political career, he continued to be involved in legal matters and was a member of various corporate boards, advising on legal and legislative affairs.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Specter later graduated from Yale Law School and opened a law firm with Marvin Katz, who would later become a federal judge. Specter served as assistant counsel for the Warren Commission investigating the assassination of John F.
Kennedy and helped formulate the "single-bullet theory". In 1965, Specter was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia, a position that he held until 1973.
Social Network
Though not particularly active on social media, Arlen Specter maintained a presence in the political community through various organizations and events. His legacy is commemorated through many insights into bipartisanship and reform, and he is remembered as a steadfast public servant who prioritized national interests over party politics.
In a 2002 PoliticsPA Feature story designating politicians with yearbook superlatives, he was named the "Toughest to Work For".
In 2003, the Pennsylvania Report, a subscription-based political newsletter, described Specter as one of the "vanishing breed of Republican moderates", and described his political stance as "'Pennsylvania first' middle of-the-road politics", even though he was known as an "avid Republican partisan".
Education
Arlen Specter graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951. He went on to attend Yale Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1956. His well-rounded education played a significant role in shaping his legal career and political philosophy, equipping him with critical insights that he utilized throughout his years in office.
In 1953, he married Joan Levy. In 1979, she was elected to one of the two allotted minority party at-large seats on the Philadelphia City Council. She held the seat for four terms, until she was defeated for re-election in 1995 by Frank Rizzo Jr. The couple had two sons.
Specter graduated from Yale Law School in 1956, while serving as editor of the Yale Law Journal. Afterward, Specter opened a law practice, Specter & Katz, with Marvin Katz, who served as a Federal District Court Judge in Philadelphia, until his death in October 2010.
Specter represented Ira Einhorn, known as "The Unicorn Killer," aiding him to get a very low bail for a murder charge (which Einhorn subsequently jumped). Specter became an assistant district attorney under District Attorney James C. Crumlish Jr., and was a member of the Democratic Party.
