Specter campaigns in Matamoras

Senator Arlen Specter visited Veterans Memorial Park and Education Center on Wednesday where several dozen local veterans gathered for a short ceremony. Matamoras Mayor and Park President Dick Gassman, right, and co-Founder Austin Lamac of Westfall, left, presented Senator Specter with an honorary membership to the Education Center Society. Specter, who had an afternoon lunch with Pike Democrats at the Tom Quick Inn, later commented that “the pulse of Pike County is very favorable,” leading up to his 2010 primary contest against Congressman Joe Sestak, whom the Senator called “no show Joe,” based on his many absences during votes. But following the ceremony, one senior Pike County resident and military veteran had some tough words for Specter, who switched party affiliations this spring. “He’s a puke. Anyone who changes from a Republican to a Democrat is a puke.”