Specter committed to running for another term

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said Wednesday that his recurrence of Hodgkin’s disease would not affect his decision to run for reelection in 2010, when he will be 80 years old.

Specter appeared before the media a day after he announced his doctor had discovered the cancer in a small lymph node in his chest.

{mosads}The senator, who will begin weekly chemotherapy sessions April 26, to continue over a three-month time span, said his doctor believes that “prospects are excellent for a full recovery.”

Specter first battled Hodgkin’s disease in 2005, and has survived brain tumors and a multiple bypass surgery. Having survived near-death illnesses, Specter has authored a book, Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate, which he has been promoting on national television.

The senator, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, is in the mix on a number of political battles on Capitol Hill, including a bill to overhaul laws on intellectual property rights and mine safety and on the issue of President Bush’s judicial nominees.

Asked whether having the disease would affect his plans to run for reelection, Specter said: “It does not influence that at all. I intend to maintain my efforts for reelection on the same level that I have at the present time, and — just as my Senate work schedule. Plan to go full steam ahead.”

Specter said his doctor has not recommended that he should retire, given his health problems.

“He wouldn't dare do that,” Specter quipped.

Specter said a recurrence is not unusual, but said that the doctor’s finding surprised him because he had no symptoms and had maintained an active schedule, including regular games of squash.

He said he has received well-wishes from his Senate colleagues, but added that he expects his political opponents to use his health problems against him in the future.

“And do I think the Democrats will exploit it if they have an opportunity? Yes, I would expect them to,” Specter said. “I just don't anticipate giving them any opportunity.”