"On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, I extend our condolences to the family of Arlen Specter.  His support for repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and passage of the Matthew Shepard hate crimes law was critical. As was his willingness to change his mind and oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 after voting for it in 2004. 

 

"Sen. Specter was willing to work across party lines to get things done.  I had the opportunity to host him in Los Angeles while working with him on funding for stem cell research at a time when it was difficult for a Republican Senator to lead on the issue."