Specter accepts the challenge

A group calling itself the Republican Majority for Choice (RMC) went on the attack against pro-life Republican Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. That put Santorum's fellow Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter on the spot.  Specter, a pro-choice Republican who also happens to sit on the RMC advisory board, owes his re-election to the support of Santorum.  Specter resolved the issue:

March 3, 2006

Republican Majority for Choice
1660 L St, NW Suite 609
Washington, DC 20036

To Ms. Stockman and Ms. Merrill:

I have just learned that the Republican Majority for Choice (RMC) is placing ads in many Pennsylvania newspapers calling for "help wanted" on recruiting "real Republican candidates for Senate." While not mentioning Senator Santorum, these ads are being interpreted as an attack on his candidacy.

I strongly oppose these advertisements. The Big Tent is big enough to include both Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter. The RMC ought not to be in the business of electing Democrats to the United States Senate.

Without Senator Santorum's support, I would not have won the 2004 Republican primary. As I believe the RMC knows, I've repeatedly said that Senator Santorum's reelection is my top priority in 2006.

I call on the RMC to repudiate and renounce any effort to defeat Senator Santorum.

I will withhold my decision on whether to resign from the RMC's advisory board until I see what further action RMC takes on this matter.

Sincerely,

Arlen Specter

AS/ab

No uncertain terms there.