Former Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) is facing cancer again, for which he’s been hospitalized.
“I’m battling cancer. It’s another battle I intend to win. I’m grateful for all the well wishes I’ve received,” the 82-year-old said in a statement issued today through his office. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work, to the comedy stage, to the squash court and to the ballpark.”
Specter was a Republican for 44 of his elected years before switching to the Democratic Party in 2009. He lost the 2010 primary to Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.), who would go on to lose the general election to Pat Toomey (R).
Specter has been plagued by numerous health problems, including two bouts with Hodgkin’s disease since 2005, a brain tumor, and a heart attack. He didn’t elaborate on what type of cancer he’s facing now.
A source told CNN that the former senator is fighting for his life from the “serious form of cancer” after a “big flare-up” of the disease Monday night.
And yes, as he noted in his statement, Specter has been doing stand-up comedy in his retirement:
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