WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues this statement on the death of Senator Arlen Specter:

"Arlen Specter was an important mentor and inspiration for me, and he was my friend. The long arc of his career in public service touches on most major moments in contemporary American history. Those moments required great leadership and Senator Specter always met the challenge.

"Arlen Specter was a moderate who championed the middle ground long after that became unfashionable. He was a fighter for Pennsylvania and for Philadelphia, especially for federal investment in science, medicine and infrastructure. His courageous vote to spur our nation's economic recovery ultimately cost him his seat – and it stands as a monument to his courage.

"His passing today is a time of sadness but it is also an occasion to reflect on his out-sized impact. My family and I mourn the Senator and we will keep the Specter family in our thoughts and prayers."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah