Arlen Specter was in Pittsburgh today, talking about LGBT issues with local leaders and the general public. I was fortunate enough to be at both a small group discussion with the Senator as well as the meet and greet where people from the community asked questions ranging from the repeal of DADT, to funding for the Arts, as well as economic issues, transportation, current campaign tactics, and the upcoming Supreme Court appointment.

Prior to the open reception/ meet and greet, a handful of local leaders within the GLBTQ ands Ally communities were asked to meet directly with the Senator to share our personal stories with him, as well as provide him with information pertaining to either existing or desired national legislation. The structure of this meeting was chosen so that a good and frank exchange of ideas would happen, and to keep it from turning into “a political” stop. Specter seemed clear, he really wanted direct time with us, and to build a stronger working relationship with the LGBT community in Pittsburgh.

Another Pittsburgh blogger had worried earlier in the week about this meeting and had hoped there would be enough women there. She can feel comforted, that of the seven local people in attendance, five were women. Everyone present came with a level of expertise surrounding a valuable issue to our community.

I gained an understanding about the Senator on several aspects that I was previously unaware. First, I hadn’be been aware that the Senator was raised in a small Kansas town where his family was the only Jewish household. He talked about having his own experience of being treated differently, and that he became a laywer in part, to be able to fight for his own civil rights. I also learned that he began his political career as a democrat, but when he wanted to run for DA in the Philadelphia area, the Democratic Party bosses of the time, really didn’t want him to be a strong DA, and wouldn’t support him. The Republicans, on the other hand, were happy to have him run on their ticket, even though he was a registered democrat at the time.

While Specter had for some time been called a RINO (Republican In Name Only), I realize that I simply associate him with the current Republican party, and fail to place him (or other politicians for that matter) into a perspective based historically rather than on the current state of the party.

I didn’t begin this election cycle thinking I would be supporting Arlen Spector. I originally thought I’d back Sestak, until I saw both of them at the Progressive Summit in Harrisburg in January. I thought Specter came across as stronger and more forceful, and if I have noticed anything about the current state of Washington, it is that we need strong elected officials who will stand up to the rest of Washington. I lefty that debate wondering if Sestak was really up to the challenge even if he hold more progressive views. I have nothing negative to say about Sestak- I have just come to see Specter being a more forceful  candidate likely to get more accomplished that will help the nation, but also Pennsylvania.

I think the most important question may be who can beat Toomey in the Fall, and who will be able to meet him toe-to-toe as the campaign season continues. And not only toe-to-toe with Toomey, but all of Washington for that matter. The current state of politics is pretty rough, and the only folks who will get much accomplished are those who are able to stand strong against the far right conservatives and the craziness.

I’ll be writing more about Specter over the next week.