Arlen Specter: “I thank the Chair. Howell Heflin is leaving, and he is also a centrist. I worked with Senator Heflin on the Judiciary…”

“I thank the Chair. Howell Heflin is leaving, and he is also a centrist. I worked with Senator Heflin on the Judiciary Committee. He has made an extraordinary contribution as we have worked through some of the toughest problems on the nominating process--Judge Bork, Justice Thomas--the whole process. Senator Bradley, perhaps not quite a centrist but not too far from center, has made an extraordinary contribution as he has done so much to awaken America to the problems of racism coming from a State with big cities, an issue that I have worked closely with him on. Senator Brown is a key loss--another centrist. I sat next to him on the Judiciary Committee. He would whisper most of the questions which have gotten me into so much trouble on the Judiciary Committee, also with a great sense of humor. And Senator Bennett Johnston, who has added so much in four terms; Senator Pryor, who has added so much in three terms--both southerners, but having a much broader focus than simply on the South. Senator Exon who has contributed so much on Armed Services and as ranking member of Budget. And Senator Sheila Frahm, who is here for too short of a period of time. Senator Frahm comes from western Kansas, almost on the Nebraska border, on the northern Colorado border in the West. As Senator Burns said a few moments ago, my home was originally in Russell, KS, a hometown I share with Senator Dole.”