Sen. Specter Opposes Card Check Bill

Sen. Arlen Specter, the only Republican senator to support the Employee Free Choice Act when it was debated two years ago, said Tuesday he would vote against the legislation, the Associated Press reported.

Labor groups and Democrats had hoped the Pennsylvania senator’s backing of the legislation — commonly called the “card check” bill — would help supporters get the 60 votes needed to overcome a potential Senate filibuster and pass the measure, AP said.

Specter announced his intention in a floor speech, telling colleagues he recognized that the bill was “a very emotional issue,” AP reported.

Business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce both applauded Specter’s decision, AP said.