Specter Stops in Smethport

Senator Arlen Specter listens to a woman asking about Social Security during a Town Hall Meeting Tuesday afternoon in Smethport. Issues related to the Allegheny National Forest took center stage during the meeting.

Specter said his staff will look into the proposed oil and gas drilling at Rimrock, the dwindling of the deer herd due to timber management as well as the deterioration of Corydon-Riverview Cemetery.

The senator also answered questions about health care, Social Security, immigration and the economy.

He also talked about the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together.

"The American people are fed up with the bickering … and arguing in Washington," he said.

Later, when a member of the audience made a similar comment, Specter said, "I hear you and I agree with you … and I've sensed it coming for a long time."

He said that's one of the reasons he has town meetings in all 67 counties every year.

"I believe that every elected official ought to leave Washington, and leave the Beltway, and come out here and go to work," Specter said.

After the meeting, Specter told WESB and The HERO that he thinks the Philadelphia Phillies will win the World Series in 6 games.