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Senator Has Hots for Anti-Sex Ed

Arlen Specter racks up $8M for abstinence education in state

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2007 3:37 PM CDT

(Newser) – Arlen Specter has won over $8 million in earmarks for abstinence education in Pennsylvania, sparking jibes from critics and accusations of political pandering. The moderate Republican senator supports abortion rights and sex education, Politico reports, leading some to cry hypocrisy when he directs money to no-sex-until-marriage projects like Coolvirginity.com.

The Pennsylvanian is the only member of Congress to earmark money for abstinence efforts. Specter counters that the earmarks are chosen on merit, because reducing premarital sex would “be an enormous step forward.” Traditionally challenged most from his right flank, Specter has been charged with picking a few pet conservative topics. But one blogger takes him at his word: “Arlen Specter REALLY doesn’t want you having sex.”

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Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, center, accompanied by Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., left, and Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott of Miss., gestures during... (Associated Press)

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, discusses President Bush's nomination of retired federal judge Michael Mukasey to replace Attorney General Alberto Gonzales,... (Associated Press)

Senate Judiciary Committee member, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 26, 2007, to discuss Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and... (Associated Press)

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Senator Has Hots for Anti-Sex Ed