WASHINGTON — Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry on Monday endorsed Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania's contested Senate primary as the incumbent tries to fend off criticism that he used "Swiftboat"-style attacks.
The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee released a statement praising Specter as a "fighter and a friend, and I am proud to vouch for his character." Kerry's press secretary, Whitney Smith, later said Kerry was endorsing Specter.
Specter is in a close race with Rep. Joe Sestak for the Democratic nomination. Specter raised questions about Sestak's Navy record and the retired Navy admiral accused his rival of a "Swift Boat"-style attack.
In 2004, Swiftboat Veterans for Truth made unsubstantiated claims about Kerry's Navy record during the Vietnam War.
In his statement on Monday, Kerry said he didn't want to referee a Swiftboat fight but did want to defend Specter's record.
"That's an issue for the candidates to address and the media to investigate," Kerry said. "However, as the political season turns increasingly heated, I want to insist on a reality check about my colleague, Arlen Specter. I have known Arlen for 25 years and I know his character and the quality of his service to Pennsylvania."
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