Gary Fitleberg, November 23, 2004

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) won the support of colleagues to serve as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Specter had been under fire for two weeks for suggesting that judicial appointees who oppose abortion would have a hard time being confirmed in the Senate. Several conservative groups wanted Specter, the senior Jewish Republican senator, not to serve as chair of the committee, which reviews judicial appointments.

"I have assured the president that I would give his nominees quick committee hearings and early committee votes," Specter said Thursday.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg