Editorial: Still the better choice

The worst thing his opponent in the Democratic primary has been able to say about Sen. Arlen Specter is that he will do whatever it takes to be reelected and continue serving the people of Pennsylvania.

Twist that ambition any way you want in slick TV commercials, and it still sounds like a desirable attribute. Specter doesn't want to stop working for Pennsylvanians, and the vigor he has brought to this campaign shows he's more than ready for another term.

But getting there won't be easy. Switching parties last April, after it became clear he could not win a Republican primary dominated by conservatives, took Specter out of the frying pan. But he's still in danger of being burned.

Many in his new party don't appreciate Specter's past support for doctrines set by former President George W. Bush. They forget that it's Specter's willingness to vote for what's right, not partisan, that long ago put him at odds with the Republican hierarchy.

Specter knew he was putting his political life on the line when he supported President Obama's economic stimulus package last year, but he did it anyway. Democrats shouldn't act as though that was nothing, or punish Specter because they wanted Obama's recovery program to be even bolder.

Joe Sestak has taken the rash step of giving up his 7th District congressional seat after only two terms to take advantage of Specter's vulnerability. Sestak accuses Specter of putting personal interests first. But Sestak's decision to give up his seat makes it likely that a Republican, former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan, will win it.

That certainly won't be good for President Obama's agenda.

The Inquirer endorsed Specter to be the Democratic Party nominee because experience matters. He has a proven track record of delivering for Pennsylvania. And even at 80 years old, and after conquering cancer, Specter has the enthusiasm and energy to continue to serve not just his state but the entire nation.

This is not the time to disregard the experience Specter has in addressing critical issues, including Supreme Court appointments and other topics that come before the Senate Judiciary Committee that he once headed. On labor and defense, Specter has also been a leader. He again deserves the party nomination.