Specter to Republican Filibuster Threat: Bring It On

US Sen. Arlen Specter of PA says he is looking for President Barack Obama to nominate a “strong” candidate for the US Supreme Court vacancy being created by the retirement of Justice Stevens. Specter is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He says the president must not worry about the threat of a filibuster. “If the Republicans are looking for a fight, Bring it on,” says Specter. The state’s Senior Senator defines ‘strong’ as, “Somebody who has a good academic and professional record, somebody who is strong intellectually and somebody who, inside that Supreme Court conference room, can carry the day to stop the court from pulling so far to the right.” Specter says, “You have justice Scalia who is very resolute and very adroit. We need somebody who can match him. You have to fight fire with fire.” Specter says it may also be time to look more closely at individuals that are not currently serving as a circuit judge, “Maybe an ex governor like Earl Warren or an ex senator like Hugo Black or an ex attorney general like Robert Jackson. I think it is time for some diversity on the court.” 8 of the 9 justices were elevated to the post after serving as a circuit judge.